Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems to work with engineers on programs spanning space-to-space and space-to-ground communications, ground systems, payload software, and data security. The role is based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, and reports to the Head of Ground Software. The successful candidate will manage software development and integration across spacecraft and ground segments, applying systems engineering practices and coordinating internal engineering teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to meet program milestones. The position covers development and integration of spacecraft communications hardware and ground-segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground-station interfaces. It also involves planning simulation, testing, and major integration activities; aligning roadmaps and schedules across teams; supporting program technical reviews; leading agile ceremonies; and maintaining software development standards and procedures. Candidates need experience managing software development for embedded, ground, and government systems, hands-on systems engineering experience, and thorough knowledge of network software. Secure network systems knowledge is required; satellite mission management ground-systems experience is an additional benefit. The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay and company stock. The California base pay range is $135,000–$200,000 USD; level and pay depend on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
3+ years of project management experience and experience interfacing with external contractors.
3+ years of experience with spacecraft or satellite ground systems, such as mission operations, command and control, telemetry processing, or ground-station networks.
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.
Hands-on systems engineering experience, including systems trades, requirements management and traceability, interface management (ICDs), performance characterization, and verification and validation.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or another technical discipline.
INCOSE certification (ASEP/CSEP) or equivalent systems engineering credential.
Experience with requirements and model-based systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, or Cameo.
Experience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS or COSMOS.
Ownership outlook, with willingness to identify gaps, develop plans, and engage stakeholders to address them.
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 on a constellation of spacecraft.
Manage development, integration, and testing of ground-segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground-station interfaces.
Apply systems engineering practices across space and ground segments, including requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents, trade studies, and verification planning.
Manage suppliers and subcontractors in developing and testing an integrated system.
Coordinate with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams on roadmaps, product development plans, progress updates, and delivery milestones.
Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows.
Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams.
Establish subcontractor feature-delivery cadence for the overall program.
Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership.
Plan integration points and testing between teams, including space-to-ground segment integration.
Lead cross-team planning to align integration schedules and roadmaps across flight software, ground software, and supplier teams, and resolve dependencies and conflicts.
Support program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and own software and ground-segment inputs to those reviews.
Lead software teams’ agile ceremonies, including Increment Planning, stakeholder reviews, retrospectives, and backlog refinement.
Drive 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 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.