Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$134k–$201k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, EO/IR Sensing, Optical Systems, Technical Roadmap Development, Supply Chain Management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$160k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, EO/IR Sensing, Optical Systems, Technical Roadmap Development, Supply Chain Management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$135k–$201k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Technical Program Management, P&L Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Mitigation, Systems Engineering
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$160k–$245k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Technical Program Management, P&L Management, Supply Chain Management, Systems Engineering, Risk Mitigation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$134k–$201k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, RF Systems, Technical Roadmap Development, Flight Qualification, High-rate Production
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$160k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, RF Systems, Technical Roadmap Development, Supply Chain Management, Cross-functional Leadership
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$134k–$201k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, High-volume Production, Design-for-Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Takt Time
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$160k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, High-Volume Production, Design-for-Manufacturing, Takt Time, Line-of-Balance
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$158k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Rocket Engine Testing, Hot Fire Testing, Instrumentation, Data Acquisition, National Instruments
Pasadena, California, United States · On-site
$88k–$135k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: C++, Python, ROS, ROS 2, Embedded Systems
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Python
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Vacuum Chamber Operation, Electro-mechanical Troubleshooting, Precision Assembly, Thermal Systems, Pressure Measurement
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Sourcing, Candidate Screening, Interview Coordination, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel
Pasadena, California, United States · On-site
$83k–$125k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Facilities Operations, Team Management, Equipment Maintenance, LabVIEW, Thermal Vacuum Testing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$175k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Design for Manufacture, Design for Machining, Tooling Design, Value Stream Mapping, Lean Manufacturing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$88k–$110k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Workday HCM, ADP Payroll, HRIS Administration, Data Analysis, Business Requirements Gathering
Chantilly, Virginia, United States · On-site
$132k–$220k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Structural Analysis, Finite Element Analysis, ANSYS, Femap, NASTRAN
Tucson, Arizona, United States · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Structural Analysis, Finite Element Analysis, FEA Tools, ANSYS, Femap/NASTRAN
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Windows Server Administration, Active Directory, AWS, Azure, Kubernetes
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$170k–$215k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Construction Project Management, Capital Planning, Budgeting, Contract Negotiation, Risk Management
Long Beach, California, United States • On-site
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Lead the end-to-end development of advanced optical and infrared sensing payloads from prototype to scalable production. Serve as the primary technical point of contact for U.S. Government tracking, warning, and surveillance customers.
Requires a bachelor's degree in a technical field, 8+ years of program management experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance. Must have a proven track record of delivering flight-ready hardware and software in the aerospace or defense sector.
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 to 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.
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 and 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, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and 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 vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions
Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you are the program authority for our advanced optical and infrared sensing payloads. You own the technical roadmap and strategic “Make/Buy” decisions from the first “blank sheet” prototype, through flight qualification, and into scalable production. This is a high-ownership role: you'll immerse yourself in the operational realities of the tracking, warning, and surveillance mission to turn their hardest problems into concrete technical milestones, and you'll be the person the program runs on.
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.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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 [email protected].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.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
