Senior Technical Program Manager

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.SENIOR TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER IIRocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.As a Senior Technical Program Manager II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will lead EO/IR space missions and ground-based sensor networks, and the research. You must possess experience in managing programs including electronics, software, and EO/IR sensors on space or ground systems.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs, addressing any issues or risks that ariseIdentify and mitigate potential risks to programs, develop contingency plans, develop and execute recovery plans, ensure timely resolution of issues, and track financial impactsWork on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutionsLead team(s) of engineers in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered, both operational and technicalWork proactively to complete tasks and meet assigned deadlines with little directionBuild and deliver effective presentations to communicate program status and plans with little directionCommunicate effectively with team members across disciplines, with project management, and particularly with customersMaintain clear and consistent communication and foster strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders, particularly with functional teams and executive leadershipBuild and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholdersLead program and customer meetings and reviewsLead technical interchange meetings with the team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project developmentLead and mentor junior technical staff and program support resources, providing guidance and support as neededDevelop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for projects and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics (as required)Support, and influence/lead where required, proposal and ECP effortsSupport travel or off-site work as neededPerform other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER II:Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or technical discipline8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US GovernmentProven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestonesHands-on expertise with active optical systemsExperience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensingActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibilityU.S citizenship is required, due to program requirementsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Current SSBI clearanceExcellent communication and presentation skillsSelf-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversightSuperior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skillsContinuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracyExperience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility roleExcellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraintsInternship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projectsExposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems ModelerFamiliarity with environmental testing flight hardwareExperience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentationProficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis toolsKnowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensingThis 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.