Senior Space Programs Manager

Rocket Lab; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division in Albuquerque, NM, seeks a Senior Program Manager I to lead the full lifecycle of complex programs. You will partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining strong customer relationships.

You’ll manage scope, schedule, and cost, provide executive updates, and drive risk mitigation in a fast-paced environment that values accountability and clear communication.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in project/program management.
• Experience managing large-scale, cross-functional projects in a tech environment.
• Experience with EPC contracts in energy/solar/wind context is a plus.
• Demonstrated achievements in planning, directing, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal point of contact for customers.
• Accountable for the entire program lifecycle: definition, planning, execution, closeout.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specifications.
• Anticipate customer needs and manage changes in scope, schedule, budget, and personnel.
• Ensure compliance with program requirements across engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality assurance.
• Provide visibility on performance to customers and leadership.
• Define program tasks and schedules with manufacturing and budgets for each task.
• Interface with management to allocate resources meeting cost, technical, and schedule goals.
• Manage program Profit & Loss; interface with Finance for monthly reports.
• Proactively manage risks and issues; communicate progress to staff and executives.
• Thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and coordinate multiple efforts.

Skills

Program management

Communication

Leadership

Organized & detail-oriented

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Business/PM

Tools

ERP systems

WBS structures

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division in Albuquerque, NM, seeks a Senior Program Manager I to lead the full lifecycle of complex programs. You will partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining strong customer relationships.

You’ll manage scope, schedule, and cost, provide executive updates, and drive risk mitigation in a fast-paced environment that values accountability and clear communication.