Ground Software Manager

Rocket Lab Corporation•Littleton, CO

8h•Onsite

About The Position

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 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. 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. GROUND SOFTWARE MANAGER Rocket Lab is looking for a Ground Software Manager based out of our office in Littleton, CO. This role will support a team of engineers and subcontractors on Rocket Lab’s flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space to Ground Communications, Ground Data Infrastructure, Mission Operations, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior knowledge of secure ground data systems is a must have, with RF and network experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Space Systems Software Director, with strong collaboration with the Program Management Office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
8+ years of leadership/managerial experience overseeing both personnel and projects

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
Experience with satellite operations
Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain:
Technical budgets for vehicle performance
System requirements and verification techniques
Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
Test methods and data analysis
Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
Assist with program and product management
Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

Benefits

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.
You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

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