Senior Program Manager II, RF Systems TSSCI Pipeline

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 rockethas 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 were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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.

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II RF SYSTEMS - TS/SCI PIPELINE

Based at Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA we are looking for a Senior Program Manager II RF Systems for a future opening you are the ultimate program authority for our next-generation RF Systems and Payloads. This is not a role for a spectator; you are the Mission Owner. You are responsible for the technical roadmap from the first blank sheet prototype and strategic Make/Buy decisions through the gauntlet of flight qualification and into high-rate production. Success here demands a radical mission-first mindset. You will not just read requirements; you will immerse yourself in the operational realities of National Security Civil and Commercial pioneers to translate their hardest problems into concrete technical milestones. You are the bridge between world-class RF engineering and the tactical edge ensuring our technology doesnt just work it wins.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Command the Lifecycle: Drive the technical roadmap for advanced payloads from a blank sheet concept through flight qualification and high-rate production.
• Bridge the Gap: Translate complex tactical needs from Customers into high-velocity engineering sprints. You will speak the customers language mission success not just margin.
• Unblock Excellence: Synchronize cross-functional teams across hardware software and spectrum management. Your job is to remove every obstacle in their path to ensure scalable high-throughput connectivity reaches the user on time.
• Lead the Team of Teams: Partner with Chief Engineers to navigate the brutal trade-offs of Phased Arrays Digital Signal Processing and Production.
• Forge the Supply Chain: Manage high-stakes subcontracts and vendors not as line items but as strategic partners essential to our missions heartbeat.
• Influence the Future: Partner with BD & Strategy for complex proposals and technical narratives that define the next generation of RF Systems and Payloads.

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II RF SYSYEMS:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Physics or Math
• 8 years of experience in managing technical projects for aerospace/defense tech industries
• Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones
• Proven track record of transitioning integrated hardware and software products from low volume prototypes to scalable flight ready production
• Understanding of the nuances of transponders SAR or advanced communication systems
• Experience identifying technical schedule or supply chain risks and neutralize them before they impact the mission
• Active TS/SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Production Velocity: You have a proven playbook for transitioning exquisite low-volume prototypes into scalable high-rate manufacturing environments without sacrificing mission reliability.
• Domain Authority: Deep experience navigating the high-stakes requirements of National Security Space (NSS) or Commercial the complex architectures of massive commercial telecommunications constellations.
• Systems Fluency: You speak the language of Systems Engineering. You can navigate complex trade studies manage interface controls and maintain requirement integrity while keeping the team moving at speed.
• Advanced Technical Credibility: A Masters degree in Engineering or a related field that allows you to peer-review technical roadmaps and bridge the gap between theory and flight hardware.
• Modern Toolchain Mastery: You leverage Jira Confluence and ERP systems as high-fidelity sensors to track program health and automate transparency.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Traveling up to 25% to lead vendor oversight support critical launch milestones or engage with customers on-site
• Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed during critical delivery windows launch counts or test campaigns to ensure the mission crosses the finish line
• Work in a cleanroom or lab environment whenever the team needs a lead-from-the-front approach
• 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

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.