Senior Space Systems Program Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee equity

Top-tier medical insurance

Dental & vision coverage

3 weeks vacation + 5 sick days

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap for a sensitive national security mission platform. You will lead cross‑functional teams across hardware, software, GNC and mission assurance from concept through qualification and production.

This high‑ownership role requires a bachelor's in a technical field, 8+ years in aerospace, 5+ years in program management, and active TS/SCI clearance. Base pay range CA $135k–$201k USD plus benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace/space industry.
• 5+ years of technical program management experience.
• Depth in at least one domain: prototype-to-flight, EO/IR payloads, production engineering, manufacturing risk reduction, advanced sensing & comms.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Command the lifecycle from blank sheet to flight, owning the technical roadmap.
• Lead multiple programs, making architectural calls with Chief Engineers.
• Grow an engineering culture that values smart risk-taking and strong leaders.
• Own the program P&L, including forecasts and budgets.
• Forge the supply chain with strategic subcontractors.
• Synchronize cross-functional teams to maintain speed and quality.
• Influence national security mission systems with government customers.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Program management

Technical leadership

Systems engineering exposure

TS/SCI clearance

Prototype-to-flight

EO/IR payloads

Production engineering

Manufacturing risk reduction

Advanced sensing & comms

Risk management

Education

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

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP systems

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap for a sensitive national security mission platform. You will lead cross‑functional teams across hardware, software, GNC and mission assurance from concept through qualification and production.

This high‑ownership role requires a bachelor's in a technical field, 8+ years in aerospace, 5+ years in program management, and active TS/SCI clearance. Base pay range CA $135k–$201k USD plus benefits.