Senior Program Manager

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.

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Based out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the Senior Program Manager is responsible for execution of the program lifecycle, including definition, planning, execution and closeout for programs assigned.  The PM shall be responsible for managing program scope, schedule and budget (revenue forecasting, margin, profit & loss) in accordance with customer and corporate objectives while operating within policies, processes and procedures.  The PM is accountable to ensure overall compliance with the requirements of the program contract and will partner with management, engineering, manufacturing, test and quality assurance to achieve compliance.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as the principal point of contact for customers.
• Responsible for entire program lifecycle, including definition, planning, execution, and closeout.
• Ensure projects are successfully delivered on time, within budget, and to specifications.
• Anticipate customer needs and successfully manage changes in project scope, schedule, budget, and personnel ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for and has authority for the overall compliance with the requirements of SolAero Technologies programs, including management, engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality assurance activities.
• Provide visibility to customers on all aspects of performance.
• Define program tasks and schedules together with manufacturing and provide budgets for accomplishing each task.
• Interface with the management of the functional organizations to assure adequate resources are allocated to meet program cost, technical, and schedule requirements as planned.
• Responsible for program profit & loss, and interface with the finance team in order to compile monthly reports.
• Preempt potential problems and provide effective solutions in reaction to application of concepts, techniques, knowledge, or processes.
• Make recommendations on leadership solutions to ensure project objectives are set and roles of team members are clear.
• Proactively manage and communicate project risks and issues.
• Recommend solutions to bottlenecks and conflicts between multiple teams/functions.
• Monitor and review team delivery for internal, external, local, and remote resources; and hold team members accountable to commitments.
• Communicate project progress frequently and effectively to staff and executive levels and work effectively within organization to evaluate project results.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of Program Management experience using a project management methodology in a relevant production, development, or R&D environment.
• Experience implementing cross-functional projects in a technical environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Program management experience in the solar and/or wind industries, specifically managing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts.
• Experience with Space-based solar projects and technologies
• Experience with DoD and/or NASA programs 
•  Experience with a variety of contract types – firm fixed price, cost-plus, etc.
• 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.
• Demonstrated achievements in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget and with desired functionality.
• Ability to be broadly focused, while paying attention to detail and concurrently managing multiple efforts
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including staff, business stakeholders, and all levels of management.
• 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

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.

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.