Senior Program Manager II - Space Sensing & Domain Awareness (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

8d•$134,300 - $201,350•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Program Manager for its Space Sensing & Domain Awareness work, based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role is the program authority for advanced optical and infrared sensing payloads, with ownership of the technical roadmap and strategic make-or-buy decisions from initial prototypes through flight qualification and scalable production. The program manager works closely with customers and technical teams to translate tracking, warning, and surveillance mission needs into technical milestones, while addressing program-critical issues and trade-offs. The position leads multiple programs and teams across optics, electronics, software, and data-chain functions; works with Chief Engineers on architectural decisions; manages suppliers and subcontractors; and develops program and team leaders. It also serves as the primary contact for assigned U.S. Government customers and partners with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives for future space-domain-awareness missions. The role may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation includes base salary and equity. The listed base salary range is $134,300–$201,350 USD, and the listed total compensation range (base and equity) is $166,800–$258,625 USD. Compensation and equity value may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and other factors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or another technical discipline.
At least 8 years of aerospace program management experience.
Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a technical program, product, or team and a record of delivering under pressure.
Evidence of moving hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production.
Understanding of EO/IR sensing, optical payloads, or focal plane arrays.
Experience identifying and mitigating technical, schedule, or supply-chain risks before they affect the mission.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

A proven approach to transitioning low-volume prototypes into scalable production without sacrificing mission reliability.
Deep experience in National Security Space or large sensing and tracking constellations.
Demonstrated success negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government contracts.
Master’s degree in Engineering, Optics, or a related field.
Familiarity with systems engineering, trade studies, interface control, and requirements integrity.
Experience using Jira, Confluence, and ERP systems to maintain program visibility.
Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace or defense; the posting notes that shipped work is weighted over years logged.

Responsibilities

Lead EO/IR sensing payload and optical-system programs from initial concept through qualification, scalable production, and flight.
Own and develop the technical roadmap for the team's core capabilities.
Run multiple active programs and make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers.
Navigate technical trade-offs involving pointing stability and jitter, sensitivity, and revisit.
Personally address program-threatening problems alongside the team.
Build a strong team culture, coach and develop future program and team leaders, and encourage informed risk-taking.
Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic mission partners while protecting schedule and margin.
Synchronize cross-functional teams across optics, electronics, software, and the data chain, and remove roadblocks.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned U.S. Government tracking, warning, and surveillance customers.
Partner with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives for future space-domain-awareness programs.

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 significant 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.