Senior TPM – Space Optics & EO Missions

Rocket Lab USA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager II for its Optical Systems team in Tucson, AZ. You will lead EO space mission programs, coordinating electronics, software, and sensors across space and ground systems, with a focus on DoD/IC customers.

You will manage multiple contracts, mentor engineers, build IMS/EVM, and drive schedules while mitigating risks. U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or other field.
• 8+ years of experience managing technical projects for the U.S. Government.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility and U.S. citizenship.
• Experience leading a team to milestones.
• Hands-on expertise with active optical systems.
• Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing, and technical performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks, develop contingency and recovery plans.
• Lead teams of engineers in planning test events and resolving issues.
• Communicate program status and plans with customers and stakeholders.
• Develop Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics.
• Support proposals and ECP efforts.

Skills

Team leadership

Active optical systems

EO payloads

Test plan development

Space/remote sensing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager II for its Optical Systems team in Tucson, AZ. You will lead EO space mission programs, coordinating electronics, software, and sensors across space and ground systems, with a focus on DoD/IC customers.

You will manage multiple contracts, mentor engineers, build IMS/EVM, and drive schedules while mitigating risks. U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility are required.