What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Program Manager - TS/SCI position at Rocket Lab USA?
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
PRINCIPAL PROGRAM MANAGER - TS/SCI CLEARANCE
Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Program Manager is responsible for delivering mission outcomes for Space Systems programs. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Serve as the program manager for the design, development, test, and production phases of Rocket Lab's space systems for low Earth orbit and/or deep space missions
- Deliver Rocket Lab's space systems to the launch pad on time and within budget
- Partner with Space Systems Chief Engineer to plan and execute programs
- Identify implementation issues and proactively develop recovery plans before schedule and cost impacts are realized
- Approve selection and make/buy decisions of spacecraft components and manage subcontracts
- Report program status, issues, and problems to Rocket Lab senior leadership
- Lead or approve input into proposal development and business development activities
- Serve as a mission leader and take accountability for the cost and schedule performance of the program
- Manage relationship with a broad set of cross-functional engineering and production teams to deliver on program goals
- Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all program stakeholders across the company
- Travel domestically and internationally regularly to support programs
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, math, or other technical discipline
- 12 years of program management experience in the aerospace industry
- Direct technical experience as an engineer supporting satellite and/or space programs
- U.S citizenship is required due to program requirements
- Active TS/SCI clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 15 years of demonstrated space system program management experience across multiple spacecraft flight projects/programs
- Experience with managing employees
- 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
- Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systematic approach
- Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
- Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Teamcenter, etc.
- Experience managing both low and high-cost space programs, as well as deep space and LEO missions
- Experience working with government customers, government requirements, and government project management practices
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- 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
WHAT TO EXPECT
We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
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/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Salary : $145,000 - $200,000