Program Manager II/Senior Program Manager I

Rocket Lab Corporation•Silver Spring, MD

4d•$107,000 - $135,000•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 to 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. New Product Development, Sr. Program Manager II/III Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Program Manager oversees project execution, interfaces with customers, defines internal programmatic processes, and leads decision-making strategy. This Rocket Lab facility manufactures satellite components; their products include separation systems, on-orbit mechanisms, and other electro-mechanical deployables. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! As a New Product Development, Program Manager, you’ll lead technical project management from concept through to launch. You’ll work closely with teams across design, manufacturing, and procurement to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. From new concept to new product introduction, this role is about driving engineering solutions focused on solving challenging problems and delivering results.

Requirements

2+ years of program management experience in product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry, or 2+ years of product or project engineering New Product Development (NPD) or New Product Introduction (NPI) experience
BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field
Demonstrated competence in problem-solving, data analysis, project planning
Experience following federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws
5+ years of program management experience in product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry, or 5+ years of product or project engineering experience in New Product Development (NPD) or New Product Introduction (NPI) experience (Includes minimum 1 year of Program Management Experience)
8+ years of program management experience in product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry
8+ years of product or project engineering experience in New Product Development (NPD) or New Product Introduction (NPI) experience
Clear understanding of how the manufacturing validation process runs in relation to new products (methodology, validation plans, associated KPIs).
Able to facilitate continuous development and betterment of New Product process(es)
Outstanding problem-solving skills; adverse in various problem-solving methodologies

Nice To Haves

Passionate drive to learn new concepts and take on new challenges
Outstanding attention to detail and high-quality outputs
Strong communication skills to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization enabling efficient decision-making
Familiarity with common aerospace manufacturing and test processes
Familiarity with common metal fabrication processes (CNC, EDM, lathe, stamping, additive, etc.)

Responsibilities

Define program requirements (external & internal) based on customer proposals
Regularly interface with Engineering leadership and systems engineer
Maintain relationships with customers and work to build long-term partnerships
Facilitate cross-functional planning and project execution, ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and consistent with business strategy and expectations.
Communicate with all levels of the organization the objectives, status, risks, and needs for the program.
Develop reporting and tracking programs to assure the project is on target for schedule and cost
Create and review technical requirements.
Identify key risks and collaboratively prepare contingency plans