Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

Rocket Lab•Littleton, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technical Project Manager for Ground Systems, based at its Littleton, Colorado site. The position works with engineering teams on programs involving space-to-space and space-to-ground communications, ground systems, payload software, and data security. The successful candidate will bring experience managing software development for embedded systems, ground systems, and government programs, as well as hands-on systems engineering experience. Knowledge of secure network systems is required; experience with satellite mission-management ground systems is an added benefit. This position reports to the Head of Ground Software. The role manages software development and integration across spacecraft and ground segments, supplier and subcontractor work, technical planning, testing, and program milestones. It applies systems engineering practices across space and ground systems and leads coordination among flight software, ground software, engineering, and supplier teams. The position also supports technical reviews and leads software teams’ agile ceremonies and continuous improvement activities. The role is based at Rocket Lab’s Littleton, Colorado site. The position may involve 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a similar technical discipline, and at least 8 years of industry experience.
At least 3 years of project management experience and experience interfacing with external contractors.
At least 3 years of experience with spacecraft or satellite program 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) or similar.
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, Cameo, or similar.
Experience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS or COSMOS.
An ownership outlook, including willingness to 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 adhere to 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 discipline 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 to maintain roadmaps and product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet 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 the schedule and process 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, including space-to-ground segment integration.
Lead cross-team planning to align integration schedules and roadmaps across flight software, ground software, and supplier teams, resolving dependencies and conflicts early.
Support program technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and 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.
Promote 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.