Software Technical Project Manager - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

5d•$135,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Software Technical Project Manager based at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role works with engineering teams to deliver program milestones involving space-to-space and space-to-ground communications, payload software, and data security. The position manages software development and integration for routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a spacecraft constellation, working with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, and internal teams to plan and deliver an integrated system. The successful candidate has experience managing embedded-systems software development and government programs; secure network systems knowledge is required, while RF and spacecraft experience are beneficial. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Business Operations. The role develops simulation and testing approaches for constellation networking, sets contractor and internal-team KPIs and delivery rhythms, maintains staffing plans with senior leadership, and plans integration and testing across teams. It also leads agile ceremonies and continuous-improvement practices and maintains software development standards and procedures to support high-quality deliverables that meet customer requirements. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. The position is based in Long Beach, California. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
At least 3 years of project management experience and experience interfacing with external contractors.
Thorough understanding of network software.
Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies, including Scaled Agile (SAFe).
Experience using Jira for software development management.
Experience with systems engineering methods, including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management.
Active Secret clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or another technical discipline.
Ownership mindset, with a desire to build lasting systems and identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders.
Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures.
Experience with cybersecurity controls.
Experience with encryption.
Experience leading a team using agile methodologies.
Project management qualifications such as PMP or APMP.
Ability to identify and address problems proactively and systemically.
Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet.
Experience with Docker.
Experience with Kubernetes.
Experience with DevSecOps.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships.

Responsibilities

Manage software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices across a spacecraft constellation.
Manage suppliers and subcontractors to develop and test an integrated system successfully.
Coordinate with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps and product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet delivery milestones.
Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking.
Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams.
Establish the delivery rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program.
Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership.
Plan major integration points and testing between teams.
Lead software team agile ceremonies, including Increment Planning, stakeholder reviews, retrospectives, and backlog refinement.
Establish best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements.
Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure deliverables meet quality standards and customer requirements.

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.