Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER - GROUND SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems, to be based out of our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Ground Systems, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems, ground systems, and government programs, along with hands-on systems engineering experience. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with experience in ground systems for satellite mission management being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Ground Software.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft
• Manage the development, integration, and test of ground segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground station interfaces
• Apply systems engineering discipline across space and ground segments: requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents (ICDs), trade studies, and verification planning
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system
• Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones
• Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows
• Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams
• Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program
• Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership
• Plan major integration points and testing between teams, including space-to-ground segment integration
• Lead cross-team planning to align integration schedules and roadmaps across flight software, ground software, and supplier teams, resolving dependencies and conflicts early
• Support program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and own the software and ground segment inputs to them
• Lead software teams' agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement
• Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements
• Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors
• 3+ years of experience with ground systems for spacecraft or satellite programs (e.g., mission operations, command and control, telemetry processing, or ground station networks)
• Thorough understanding of network software
• Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies including Scaled Agile (SAFe), etc.
• Experience using Jira for software development management
• Hands-on systems engineering experience, including systems trades, requirements management and traceability, interface management (ICDs), performance characterization, and verification and validation
• Active security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or other technical discipline
• INCOSE certification (ASEP/CSEP) or equivalent systems engineering credential
• Experience with requirements and model-based systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, or similar
• Experience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS, COSMOS, or similar
• An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them
• Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures
• Experience with Cyber Security controls
• Experience with encryption
• Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies
• 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 with Docker
• Experience with Kubernetes
• Experience with DevSecOps
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships

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.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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 Pay Range (CA Only)

$135,000—$200,000 USD

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.