Senior Project Manager Construction- Production

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!

As the Project Manager for Rocket Lab’s Wallops Development and Launch Complex, you will be a key part of the team to establish a state-of-the-art facility at Wallops Island, Virginia that will manufacture, assemble, test and launch the Neutron launch vehicle. In this role, you’ll oversee existing and upcoming construction phases of our latest production and launch facility to ensure the projects are completed on-time, on specification, and on-budget

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead the initiation of large facility projects by capturing requirements from internal and external customers to clearly define scope of work and deliverables
• Forecast resources needed to complete projects · Obtain necessary permits, approvals, and other regulatory prerequisites
• Draft and submit business cases based on scope of work and resource requirements · Prepare bid packages, review proposals, make recommendations on award
• Negotiate, select, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines in alignment with the interests of Rocket Lab
• Manage costs to meet budget · Manage construction schedule and activities to project requirements and deadlines
• Issue progress updates as needed regarding costs and timelines
• Ensure work is done in compliance with all relevant building and safety codes
• Coordinate efforts across entire projects between architects, designers, engineers, and subcontractors
• Actively monitor the work performed by subcontractors while working to resolve design and construction conflicts in the field
• Continuously improve Rocket Lab’s project management tools and methods
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering and + 5 YOE or 9 YOE in lieu of a degree
• Management qualification or equivalent discipline
• Experience managing industrial or commercial projects
• Experience with phased construction projects with future expansion options built-in from the start
• Have knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and standards

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Outstanding Communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• A team player with leadership abilities
• Strong attention to detail

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• 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 

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.