Vice President, Space Systems Software

Rocketlab; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 210,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and parental leave

Job summary

Rocketlab is seeking a Vice President, Space Systems Software to lead their satellite flight and ground software organization. This role includes overseeing growth strategies, product development, and financial performance while ensuring alignment with company goals.

The ideal candidate has over 12 years of leadership experience, particularly in business development for software products. The expected salary range for this position in Colorado is $210,000 — $300,000 USD, complemented by stock options and benefits.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in leadership roles focused on business development.
• Proven experience leading software businesses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead satellite flight and ground software organization.
• Drive revenue growth and operational excellence.
• Oversee development of innovative satellite software solutions.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or computer science

Job description

Vice President, Space Systems Software

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Vice President, Space Systems Software to lead our satellite flight and ground software organization. This leadership role is responsible for driving strategy execution, revenue growth, operational excellence, and innovation within this business area. The VP will oversee all aspects of the segment, including growth strategy, product development, program execution, team leadership, and financial performance, while ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategic goals.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute the business unit’s strategic plan to achieve revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability targets.
  • Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, customer needs and competitive opportunities in satellite flight and ground software.
  • Understand the needs of key satellite customers, including the U.S. Government, and ensure the growth strategy aligns with future market and customer needs.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to align the business unit’s goals with the company’s overall vision and strategy.
• Revenue Growth & Business Development
  • Drive revenue growth by working with the Business Development team to identify new opportunities, expand existing customer relationships, and enter new markets.
  • Cultivate relationships with key customers, industry partners and stakeholders to build long‑term business opportunities.
• Product & Technology Leadership
  • Oversee the development and delivery of innovative satellite flight and ground software solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
  • Ensure the business unit remains at the forefront of technology advancements, including AI, automation and cloud‑based solutions.
  • Collaborate with engineering and product teams to prioritise product roadmaps and ensure timely delivery of high‑quality solutions.
• Operational Excellence
  • Drive operational efficiency across the business unit, including resource allocation, process optimisation and cost management.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability across teams.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation.
• Team Leadership
  • Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing team across product development, engineering, operations and programme management.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, inclusivity and professional development.
  • Inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals and deliver exceptional results.
• Financial Management
  • Own the P&L for the organization, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
  • Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and financial plans to support strategic objectives.
  • Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on business unit performance.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science or other field.
  • 12+ years of experience in leadership roles, with a focus on business development, strategy execution and/or revenue growth with a focus on software products.
  • Proven experience leading software businesses.
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional leadership skills, with a track record of driving revenue growth.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
  • Strong financial acumen, including P&L management and budgeting.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• MBA or advanced degree in engineering or computer science.
• Active security clearance.
• Previous experience partnering with government agencies, commercial satellite operators and/or defense contractors.
• Experience leading software businesses in the aerospace or satellite industries.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to satellite software and operations.
• Deep understanding of satellite flight software, ground software and/or related technologies.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and cloud computing in the aerospace domain.
• Excellent leadership and team‑building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross‑functional teams.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, partners and internal stakeholders.

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.

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.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$210,000 — $300,000 USD

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 or 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 or interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.