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

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Senior Technical Program Manager II is the program authority for next-generation RF systems and payloads. The role owns the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions from initial prototypes through flight qualification and high-rate production. It involves working with National Security, civil, and commercial customers to translate challenging needs into concrete technical milestones. The position leads multiple programs and cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, and spectrum management; makes architectural and program trade-off decisions with Chief Engineers; manages suppliers and subcontracts; and helps resolve program-critical problems. The role also develops team members and future leaders, serves as the primary customer contact for assigned programs, and partners with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, math, science, or another technical discipline.
At least 8 years of aerospace program management experience.
Demonstrated ownership of a technical program, product, or team end to end, delivering it 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 the mission.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience 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 and ability to peer-review technical roadmaps.
Systems engineering fluency, including trade studies, interface control, and requirement integrity.
Experience using Jira, Confluence, and ERP systems to maintain program visibility.
Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense; the posting notes that shipped accomplishments are weighted more heavily than years logged.

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, addressing trade-offs in phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing.
Address program-threatening issues directly alongside the team.
Build a culture that supports smart risk-taking, strong performance, and development of future program and team leaders.
Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners while protecting schedule and margin.
Coordinate hardware, software, and spectrum-management teams and remove roadblocks while maintaining quality and pace.
Act as the primary contact for assigned National Security, civil, and commercial customers.
Partner with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives for future RF systems and payloads.

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.
Additional employee discounts.