Space Mission Manager: Launch & Payload Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Stock options

Medical and dental plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in North America seeks a seasoned Mission Manager to lead complex customer missions from contract signing through payload integration to launch. Based at one of our North American sites, travel to launch sites is required.

You will coordinate technical, programmatic, and financial milestones with government and commercial customers. Key responsibilities include leading payload integration, design reviews, ICD development, and supporting business development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline (Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of mission management or technical program management experience.
• Hardware integration or PM experience on launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas (e.g., NZ facility).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversee hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser and launch vehicle integration.
• Lead technical milestone reviews with customers (e.g., mission design or test readiness).
• Assist business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales reviews.
• Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Payload ICD.

Skills

Mission management

Technical program management

Hardware integration

Travel readiness

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation in North America seeks a seasoned Mission Manager to lead complex customer missions from contract signing through payload integration to launch. Based at one of our North American sites, travel to launch sites is required.

You will coordinate technical, programmatic, and financial milestones with government and commercial customers. Key responsibilities include leading payload integration, design reviews, ICD development, and supporting business development.