Software Technical Project Manager

Rocket Lab; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Software Technical Project Manager to work at our Littleton, CO site. The role involves managing software development for communications systems and requires strong experience in embedded systems and government programs. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in technology and project management skills.

Join us in pushing the boundaries of space technology, where you will lead agile teams in developing innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of industry experience in computer science or software engineering.
• 3+ years of project management experience.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the software development and integration of communication devices.
• Interface with subcontractors and consultants.
• Lead agile ceremonies.

Skills

Project management

Software development

Agile methodologies

Network software

Jira

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline

Tools

Jira

Microsoft Project

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Software Technical Project Manager

Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Software Technical Project Manager based at our Littleton, CO site. The role works with a team of engineers to deliver on program milestones related to Space‑to‑Space Communications, Space‑to‑Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is required, with RF and spacecraft experience an additional benefit. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Business Operations.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft.
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system.
• Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones.
• Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking.
• Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams.
• Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership.
• Plan major integration points and testing between teams.
• Lead software teams agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement.
• Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements.
• Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors.
• Thorough understanding of network software.
• Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies including Scaled Agile (SAFe), etc.
• Experience using Jira for software development management.
• Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance and maintain one.

Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Active SECRET or TS/SCI clearance.
• Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline.
• An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.
• Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures.
• Experience with Cyber Security controls.
• Experience with encryption.
• Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies.
• Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
• Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach.
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
• Experience with Docker.
• Experience with Kubernetes.
• Experience with DevSecOps.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range (CO Only): $120,000 USD - $170,000 USD. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

What to Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important Information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or be lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.