Space Mission Manager (CubeSat/SmallSat) – Equity Eligible

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Employee stock purchase program

Health and dental plans

Vision plan

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Merchandise discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, California, is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee customer missions from contract signing through payload integration to launch at global sites. The role requires frequent domestic and international travel and prior mission management or mission integration experience, preferably with CubeSats/SmallSats payloads.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field is required, along with 5+ years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field (Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace preferred).
• 5+ years of mission management experience or an engineering background (stress, fatigue, payloads, vibration, thermal).
• Hardware integration or project management experience on launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple Rocket Lab customer missions with technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversee payload integration activities including fit checks and dispenser/vehicle integration.
• Support business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical reviews.
• Develop and verify Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• Create and execute assembly integration instructions.
• Maintain direct customer contact with technical staff for queries.
• Represent Rocket Lab at conferences, industry forums, outreach and recruitment events.
• Help lead Mission Integrators to expand their mission management skills.

Skills

Mission management experience

Hardware integration

Project management

Travel readiness

DoD security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, California, is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee customer missions from contract signing through payload integration to launch at global sites. The role requires frequent domestic and international travel and prior mission management or mission integration experience, preferably with CubeSats/SmallSats payloads.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field is required, along with 5+ years of experience.