Senior Technical Program Manager II

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Developm...

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and air...

Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs, addressing any issues or risks that arise
Identify and mitigate potential risks to programs, develop contingency plans, develop and execute recovery plans, ensure timely resolution of issues, and track financial impacts
Work on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutions
Lead team(s) of engineers in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered, both operational and technical
Work proactively to complete tasks and meet assigned deadlines with little direction
Build and deliver effective presentations to communicate program status and plans with little direction
Communicate effectively with team members across disciplines, with project management, and particularly with customers
Maintain clear and consistent communication and foster strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders, particularly with functional teams and executive leadership
Build and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders
Lead program and customer meetings and reviews
Lead technical interchange meetings with the team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development
Lead and mentor junior technical staff and program support resources, providing guidance and support as needed
Develop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for projects and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics (as required)
Support, and influence/lead where required, proposal and ECP efforts
Support travel or off-site work as needed
Perform other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or technical discipline
8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government
Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones
Hands-on expertise with active optical systems
Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility 
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Current SSBI clearance
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight
Superior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skills
Continuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracy
Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role
Excellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints
Internship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projects
Exposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler
Familiarity with environmental testing flight hardware
Experience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentation
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis tools
Knowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO