Senior Technical Program Manager, Satellite Systems

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager II for Flat Satellite production at its Long Beach, CA headquarters. You will own rate, yield, unit cost, and strategic program decisions from prototype maturity through full-rate production, leading high-ownership initiatives across multiple programs.

You will coordinate with Chief Engineers on design-for-manufacturing, manage subcontractors, and drive cost reductions while maintaining reliability.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of aerospace program management experience.
• Proven track record of owning a technical program end-to-end.
• Experience moving hardware and software from prototype to production.

Responsibilities

• Command the Lifecycle: lead teams from concept through qualification and full-rate production.
• Lead the Team of Teams: manage multiple programs, optimize design-for-manufacturing decisions.
• Build the Bench: foster a culture of bold, data-driven decisions and coaching.
• Forge the Supply Chain: manage subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners.
• Unblock Excellence: synchronize cross-functional teams and clear roadblocks quickly.
• Influence the Future: partner with constellation operators and proposals.

Skills

Aerospace program management

High-rate production

System integration

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical field

Master’s degree in Engineering/Operations

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP/MRP

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager II for Flat Satellite production at its Long Beach, CA headquarters. You will own rate, yield, unit cost, and strategic program decisions from prototype maturity through full-rate production, leading high-ownership initiatives across multiple programs.

You will coordinate with Chief Engineers on design-for-manufacturing, manage subcontractors, and drive cost reductions while maintaining reliability.