Strategic Space Programs Lead (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 325,000 - 326,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee stock purchase program

Medical plans

Dental and vision

Paid vacation & sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with match

Onsite fitness centers

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Program Manager (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap for sensitive mission platforms. You’ll lead multi‑program efforts, collaborate with Chief Engineers, and drive critical milestones from prototype to flight and production.

You’ll manage budgets, supplier relationships, and cross‑functional teams while engaging with U.S. Government customers and contributing to proposals and technical narratives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is required.
• 12+ years in aerospace/space industry.
• 8+ years of technical program management experience.
• Depth in at least one domain: prototype-to-flight, EO/IR payloads, production engineering, manufacturing risk reduction, or advanced sensing and comms.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple programs and own the technical roadmap.
• Collaborate with Chief Engineers on architecture and trade-offs.
• Develop and coach future program leaders and engineers.
• Own the program P&L and manage budgets, forecasts, and Make/Buy decisions.
• Manage high-stakes subcontracts and supplier relationships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across hardware, software, GNC, and mission assurance.
• Interface with national security customers and support proposals and narratives.

Skills

Program management

Systems engineering

Leadership

Risk management

Customer liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ERP

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Program Manager (TS/SCI) to own the technical roadmap for sensitive mission platforms. You’ll lead multi‑program efforts, collaborate with Chief Engineers, and drive critical milestones from prototype to flight and production.

You’ll manage budgets, supplier relationships, and cross‑functional teams while engaging with U.S. Government customers and contributing to proposals and technical narratives.