Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER - GROUND SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems , to be based out of our Littleton, CO site. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Ground Systems, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems, ground systems, and government programs, along with hands-on systems engineering experience. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with experience in ground systems for satellite mission management being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Ground Software.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft

Manage the development, integration, and test of ground segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground station interfaces

Apply systems engineering discipline across space and ground segments: requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents (ICDs), trade studies, and verification planning

Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system

Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project 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

Set the battle 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, 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, TRR) and own the software and ground segment inputs to them

Lead software teams' agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement

Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements

Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical discipline

3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors

3+ years of experience with ground systems for spacecraft or satellite programs (e.g., 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), etc.

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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Active TS/SCI clearance

Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or other 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

An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them

Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures

Experience with Cyber Security controls

Experience with encryption

Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies

Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.

Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach

Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.

Experience with Docker

Experience with Kubernetes

Experience with DevSecOps

Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only) $120,000 — $175,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.