Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

3d•$135,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems for its Space Systems team, based at the company's global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role works with engineers on program milestones involving space-to-space and space-to-ground communications, ground systems, payload software, and data security. It manages software development and integration across spacecraft and ground segments, applying systems engineering practices and coordinating internal engineering teams, suppliers, and subcontractors. The position reports to the Head of Ground Software.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
At least 3 years of project management experience, including interfacing with external contractors.
At least 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, Cameo, or similar.
Experience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS, COSMOS, or similar.
Ownership mindset, with a desire to build lasting systems and 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 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 practices across space and ground segments, including requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents, trade studies, and verification planning.
Manage suppliers and subcontractors developing and testing an integrated system.
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 and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows.
Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams.
Establish a cadence for subcontractors to deliver 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 (SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR) and own software and ground-segment inputs.
Lead software teams' agile ceremonies, including Increment Planning, stakeholder reviews, retrospectives, and backlog refinement.
Drive practices for gathering 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 merch store.
Other employee discounts.