Rocket Lab

Head of Programs- Space Systems Software

Long Beach, California, United States

$170-210k

Full Time

an hour ago

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Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

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

HEAD OF PROGRAMS - SPACE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE

As the Head of Programs- Space Systems Software at Rocket Lab based out our office in Long Beach, CA, you will lead the management of all software programs for space missions, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee cost, schedule, and risk across multiple software programs, while developing and refining technical project management processes and methodologies. You will work closely with technical PMs, ensure alignment within the PMO, and drive operational excellence across the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Manage cost, schedule, and risk for all software programs, ensuring they meet Rocket Lab’s financial and schedule objectives while delivering high-quality software for space missions.
Develop and implement processes and cadences that all technical program managers (PMs) will follow, ensuring consistency across the organization.
Collaborate with the heads of technical disciplines to manage headcount allocation and distribution, ensuring the right resources are assigned to meet program goals.
Conduct regular program reviews that focus on cost, schedule, and risk. Prepare executive summaries to update senior leadership on the performance of software initiatives.
Utilize your expertise in agile project management to lead the execution of software programs, overseeing up to 10 concurrent programs and ensuring they remain on track.
Identify and manage program and project risks, priorities, and challenges, providing proactive communication to executive leadership on opportunities and risks.
Lead, mentor, and develop program managers, guiding them on best practices and ensuring their success. Oversee staffing decisions, including hiring and personnel development.
Serve as the key point of contact for customers, handling escalations, resolving issues, and ensuring technical and programmatic changes are implemented efficiently.
Plan and facilitate key customer reviews, ensuring technical content is communicated effectively across the company and to external stakeholders.
Contribute to business development efforts by providing programmatic insights, sharing operational expertise, and supporting the capture process.
Work closely with supply chain and manufacturing leadership to ensure program requirements are met and identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiencies.
Collaborate with design engineering and finance teams to ensure program software specifications are met and costs are captured accurately.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical discipline.
12+ years of experience in the aerospace industry, with a strong focus on managing software for spacecraft programs
Proven experience in delivering software components for satellite programs on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards.
Expertise in agile project management with a history of overseeing multiple concurrent programs (10+).
Demonstrated expertise in cost, schedule, and risk management across complex software programs.
Strong experience in headcount management and coordination with technical discipline leads.
Ability to establish and enforce processes and cadences for technical PMs to work within.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience in evaluating business development opportunities and contributing to the capture process.
Deep knowledge of project and change management methodologies and techniques.
Proficiency in managing budgets and program profitability.
Familiarity with program management tools and methodologies, as well as resource management best practices.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Proven leadership and track record of managing high-performing teams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$170,000—$210,000 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.