Senior Program Manager I - Advanced RF Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

1d•$125,300 - $187,850•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Technical Program Manager I for Advanced RF Systems, based at its global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The position 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 role involves turning National Security, civil, and commercial customers’ needs into technical milestones and leading the program through execution. The manager leads multiple active programs and cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, and spectrum management. They work with Chief Engineers on architectural decisions and technical trade-offs involving phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing; address program-threatening issues; develop team members and future leaders; and manage suppliers and subcontracts. The role also serves as the primary customer contact for assigned programs and collaborates with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. The California base pay range is $125,300–$187,850 USD. Level and pay are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Total compensation includes company stock. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, fitness and gym benefits, snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or another technical discipline.
At least 5 years of aerospace program management experience.
Demonstrated ownership of a technical program, product, or team from beginning to end, 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

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.
Demonstrated success negotiating, capturing, and executing large U.S. Government or major commercial contracts.
Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field, with the ability to peer-review technical roadmaps.
Systems engineering experience, including trade studies, interface control, and requirements integrity.
Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and ERP systems for tracking program health.
Multiple program cycles or 8+ years of aerospace or 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 grow the team’s core capabilities.
Run multiple active programs and make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers.
Manage technical trade-offs in phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing.
Address program-threatening problems alongside the team.
Build a culture of smart risk-taking and develop future program and team leaders.
Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners while protecting schedule and margin.
Synchronize 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 coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
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.