Senior Program Manager I - Advanced RF Systems (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

21h•$116,800 - $160,600•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Technical Program Manager I for its Advanced RF Systems team, based at its global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The position serves as 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 translate challenging needs into concrete technical milestones. The role leads multiple programs and teams developing RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and communications systems. It involves making architectural decisions with Chief Engineers, managing technical and manufacturing trade-offs, addressing program-threatening issues, developing team members and future leaders, and managing strategic supplier relationships. The manager also coordinates hardware, software, and spectrum-management teams, serves as the primary customer contact for assigned programs, and partners with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives. The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation includes base salary and equity. The advertised base salary range is $116,800–$160,600 USD, with total compensation (base and equity) of $137,075–$181,675 USD. Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement benefits, and various employee perks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, science, or another technical discipline.
At least 5 years of aerospace program management experience.
Demonstrated ownership of a technical program, product, or team end to end and successful delivery 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 before they affect a mission.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience transitioning low-volume prototypes into high-rate production while maintaining mission reliability.
Deep experience with National Security Space or large commercial telecommunications constellation architectures.
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.
Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and ERP tools.
Multiple aerospace/defense program cycles or 8+ years of aerospace/defense experience.

Responsibilities

Lead RF payload, transponder, SAR, and communications-system programs from concept through qualification, high-rate production, and flight.
Own the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions that develop the team's core capabilities.
Run multiple active programs and make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers.
Navigate technical and manufacturing trade-offs, including phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing.
Work directly with teams to resolve program-threatening problems.
Build and develop teams, foster smart risk-taking, and coach future program and team leaders.
Manage high-stakes subcontracts and supplier relationships to protect schedule and margin.
Coordinate cross-functional hardware, software, and spectrum-management teams and remove roadblocks.
Serve as the 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.