Senior Space Systems Program Manager – TS/SCI

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

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted employee stock purchase

EV charging stations

Onsite gym

Food and drinks

401(k) with company match

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap and major programmatic decisions for a sensitive mission platform. You will guide a multi‑discipline team from concept through flight qualification and into production, interfacing with government customers and cross‑functional partners.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace, 5+ years of technical program management, and active TS/SCI clearance.

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.
• Depth in at least one domain: prototype-to-flight, EO/IR payloads, production engineering, manufacturing risk reduction, or advanced sensing and comms.
• Experience identifying technical, schedule, or supply‑chain risk; active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Command the lifecycle from blank‑sheet concept through qualification, production, and flight.
• Lead multiple programs, make architectural calls with Chief Engineers, manage trade‑offs in guidance/control and propulsion.
• Grow engineering culture and coach next generation of program leaders.
• Own the program P&L and manage budgets and Make/Buy decisions.
• Forge strategic supplier partnerships and shield schedule and margin.
• Synchronize cross‑functional teams and serve as primary contact for U.S. Government customers.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in technical field

8+ years aerospace/space

5+ years technical program management

TS/SCI clearance

Prototype-to-flight

EO/IR payloads

Production engineering

Manufacturing risk reduction

Advanced sensing & comms

Jira

Confluence

ERP

Education

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

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Program Manager II (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap and major programmatic decisions for a sensitive mission platform. You will guide a multi‑discipline team from concept through flight qualification and into production, interfacing with government customers and cross‑functional partners.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace, 5+ years of technical program management, and active TS/SCI clearance.