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Sr. Manager, Programs

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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.

SR. MANAGER, PROGRAMS

As a Sr. Manager, Programs, based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused Program Managers in supporting objectives and assignments, which will require the ability to work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. To be successful in this role, you must assume different roles based on the needs of SolAero Technologies or the team along with foster an environment of excellence through high performance standards. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

  • Individual will exercise judgment utilizing Best Practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
  • Will have daily interaction with various functional areas including Materials, Planning, Logistics and Engineering to ensure all customer requirements are met while maximizing efficiency and profitability of the division.
  • Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions and/or customers.
  • Requires the ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance of, others in sensitive situations.
  • Defines program tasks and schedules together with manufacturing and provides budgets for accomplishing each task.
  • Interfaces with the management of the functional organizations to assure adequate human and other resources are allocated to meet program cost, technical and schedule requirements as planned.
  • Responsible for program Profit & Loss. Interface with Finance in order to compile monthly report.
  • Pre-empts potential problems and provides effective solutions in reaction to application of concepts, techniques, knowledge, or processes.
  • Displays a high level of critical thinking in bringing successful resolution to high-impact, complex, and/or crossfunctional problems.
  • Monitor and review team delivery for internal, external, local and remote resources. Hold team members accountable to commitments.
  • Communicate project progress frequently and effectively to staff and executive levels. Work effectively within organization to evaluate project results
  • Requires domestic and international travel.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field
  • 10+ years of related experience, including project/program management or managerial experience with implementation of large scale, cross-functional projects in a technology environment.
  • Program management experience preferably in the solar and / or wind industries, specifically managing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts.
  • Experience planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget and with desired functionality.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience in energy project management, financial analysis or project financing within the solar industry is a plus, as well as good understanding of the economics of energy projects including capital cost, variable cost and IRR calculations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including those necessary for an executive audience.
  • Strong conflict resolution, negotiation and influential skills.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, changing and ambiguous environments.
  • Proven experience with a project management methodology.
  • Highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Committed to increasing shareholder value.
  • Sets aggressive goals and accepts accountability for their achievement.
  • Creates a sense of urgency, and quickly shifts course, if required, to assure effective execution
  • Drives action toward defined metrics, and refuses to accept falling short, by quickly responding to below target performance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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.

#RL1

 

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.

 

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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.
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