Senior Program Manager II - Advanced RF Systems

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

15h•$153,000 - $229,500•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Program Manager II for Advanced RF Systems, based at its global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role is the program authority for next-generation RF systems and payloads, owning the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions from early prototypes through flight qualification and high-rate production. The manager works with National Security, civil, and commercial customers to turn challenging needs into technical milestones and drive program execution. The position leads development of RF payloads, transponders, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and communications systems; runs multiple programs concurrently; makes architectural and technical trade-off decisions with Chief Engineers; and tackles program-critical problems. It also develops program and team leaders, manages suppliers and subcontracts, coordinates hardware, software, and spectrum-management teams, and serves as the primary customer contact for assigned programs. The role partners with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives. The job may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay and company stock as part of total compensation. The stated California base pay range is $153,000–$229,500 USD; the level and salary depend on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, science, or another technical discipline.
At least 8 years of aerospace program management experience.
Demonstrated experience owning a technical program, product, or team end to end and delivering under pressure.
Evidence of moving hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production.
Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems.
Experience identifying and mitigating technical, schedule, or supply-chain risks.

Nice To Haves

A proven approach to transitioning low-volume prototypes into high-rate production without sacrificing mission reliability.
Deep experience with National Security Space or large commercial telecommunications constellation architectures.
Demonstrated success negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government or major commercial contracts.
Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
Systems engineering experience, including trade studies, interface control, and requirements integrity; fluency with Jira, Confluence, and ERP tools.
Multiple aerospace/defense program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense.

Responsibilities

Lead RF payload, transponder, SAR, and communications-system programs from early concept through qualification, high-rate production, and flight.
Own the technical roadmap and develop the team’s core capabilities.
Run multiple active programs simultaneously and make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers.
Navigate technical trade-offs in phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing; address program-threatening problems directly.
Build a culture of smart risk-taking and coach and develop future program and team leaders.
Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners to protect schedule and margin.
Coordinate cross-functional hardware, software, and spectrum-management teams and remove roadblocks.
Serve as primary point of contact for assigned National Security, civil, and commercial customers.
Partner with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.