Sr. RF Systems Program Leader for Space Payloads

Hardware FYI; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity & stock purchase program

Comprehensive medical, dental & vision

Paid vacation & holidays

Onsite fitness centers & snacks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager II for Advanced RF Systems. You will own the technical roadmap from prototype to high-rate production, coordinating RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and comms systems across teams.

This role requires 8+ years in aerospace program management, plus TS/SCI clearance; you’ll guide architectural trade-offs, manage key suppliers, and shape the next generation of RF capabilities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of aerospace program management experience.
• Proven track record of owning a technical program end to end and carrying it across the finish line under pressure.
• Experience moving hardware and software from prototype toward flight-ready production.
• Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communications systems.
• Experience identifying risks and neutralizing them before impacting the mission.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF payload, transponders, SAR, and communications systems from concept to production.
• Make architectural calls with Chief Engineers and navigate trade-offs in phased arrays and DSP.
• Foster a culture of bold, quick decision making and develop future leaders.
• Manage high-stakes subcontracts and supplier partnerships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management.
• Partner with BD & Strategy on proposals and technical narratives.

Skills

Transponders

SAR systems

Advanced communications

System architecture

Risk management

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline

Master’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP systems

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager II for Advanced RF Systems. You will own the technical roadmap from prototype to high-rate production, coordinating RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and comms systems across teams.

This role requires 8+ years in aerospace program management, plus TS/SCI clearance; you’ll guide architectural trade-offs, manage key suppliers, and shape the next generation of RF capabilities.