SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

SOFTWARE TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s facility in Littleton CO, the Software Technical Project Manager will oversee the entire software development lifecycle for spacecraft using ASI by Rocket Lab’s MAX Flight Software. This includes everything from requirements definition to disposal of the spacecraft. This position will collaborate with multiple disciplines across spacecraft development in partnering teams and will be the main point of contact representing ASI by Rocket Lab to our customers.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Serve as the flight software project manager for missions ranging from low Earth orbit to deep space missions
• Deliver completed software to the customer on schedule and within the project budget
• Work in collaboration with our programs to ensure feature development is not being duplicated across programs
• Lead a team of developers in the GNC and FSW disciplines to meet all project requirements
• Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements
• Manage the relationship with your customer
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all program stakeholders across the company
• Travel domestically and internationally as the project requires
• Report status and budget to Rocket Lab leadership

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
• 5 years of experience with satellite design
• Experience with project management
• Experience developing spacecraft flight software
• Experience developing in C
• Previous experience managing a team utilizing agile methodologies

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
• Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines
• Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management
• Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
• Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
• Experience developing embedded or high reliability software in C
• Experience with Git version control
• Experience working in a continuous integration environment
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance, or ability to obtain one upon being hired
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. 
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.