Senior Space Programs PM TS/SCI | Lead Flight Platforms

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Top-tier medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

PTO 3 weeks + 5 sick days

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase program

Onsite gym

Discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) based in Long Beach, CA. You will own the technical roadmap for high-sensitivity mission platforms, leading from concept to flight qualification and into production.

A true high-ownership role, you’ll translate warfighter needs into concrete milestones, and oversee cross-functional teams across hardware, software, GNC, and mission assurance. You will manage multiple programs, make critical architectural calls with Chief Engineers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace/space industry.
• 5+ years of technical program management experience.
• Proven track record in prototype-to-flight transition, EO/IR payloads, production engineering, and manufacturing risk reduction.
• Experience identifying technical, schedule, or supply-chain risk.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the program lifecycle from concept through qualification, production, and flight.
• Manage multiple active programs, make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers, and address critical technical challenges.
• Foster an engineering culture that values smart risk-taking and leadership development.
• Own the program P&L on a Firm Fixed Price basis, forecast accurately, and manage budgets.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontracts to protect schedule and margin.
• Align cross-functional teams to resolve roadblocks and keep speed and quality.

Skills

Prototype to flight transition

EO/IR and optical payloads

Production engineering

Manufacturing risk reduction

Advanced sensing and comms

Technical program management

Cross-functional leadership

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) based in Long Beach, CA. You will own the technical roadmap for high-sensitivity mission platforms, leading from concept to flight qualification and into production.

A true high-ownership role, you’ll translate warfighter needs into concrete milestones, and oversee cross-functional teams across hardware, software, GNC, and mission assurance. You will manage multiple programs, make critical architectural calls with Chief Engineers,