Mission Manager

Mission Manager

Based out of Rocket Lab USA HQ in Long Beach, California. Mission Managers work directly with customers from signing of contract through payload integration to launch at either our Auckland, New Zealand or Wallops, Virginia launch site. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with both commercial and government customers as well as frequent domestic and international travel. Prior mission management or mission integration experience required. Preferably in support of CubeSat, SmallSat, or small space payloads.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversees hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser and launch vehicle integration.
• Assists business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews.
• Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• Ability to create and execute assembly integration instructions.
• In constant contact with customers to answer questions with technical staff as required.
• Represent the company at public events, including conferences, industry forums, outreach and recruiting events.
• Helps lead Mission Integrators in expanding their mission management skillset.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline – Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred.
• 5+ years of mission management experience and/or an engineering background (stress, fatigue, payloads, vibration, thermal or similar).
• Hardware integration or project management experience on either launch vehicles or spacecraft projects.
• Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas (e.g. Rocket Labs New Zealand facility/launch site).

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads.
• ITAR - Previous experience with ITAR & establishment of TAA's.
• Previous Mission Management or Mission Integration experience.
• Experience working with complex mechanical systems with your own hands.
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing.
• Previous space sector sales engineering experience including management of customer expectations.
• Active DoD Secret clearance preferred, but not required.
• Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, able to assist with closure of sales / customer capture.
• Ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.
• Solid presentation and technical writing skills.