Program Manager

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

ABOUT NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high value payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

We are rapidly growing our team at all sites globally to develop and get a vehicle to the pad in 2024. If you want to join a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity

NEUTRON PROGRAM MANAGER

Rocket Lab is seeking a Program Manager to support the development of Neutron.

Based in Long Beach, USA, this is a key role in supporting the development of the Neutron launch vehicle where you will work across several functional disciplines and organizations to align teams with program objectives. This role will be responsible for maintaining alignment through schedule, budget while supporting technical direction of all US based operations for the Neutron launch vehicle and ground systems development.

The role will also be a focal in liaising with internal and external stakeholders e.g. USG and support business development and certification activities.

What you'll get to do:

• Program manager for Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch vehicle programs supporting Commercial and US Government initiatives
• Responsible for delivering Neutron program deliverables to the Customer on time and within budget
• Works in collaboration with the Neutron chief engineer to plan and execute the Neutron development program aligned with Commercial and US Government development programs
• Identifies implementation issues and proactively develops recovery plans before schedule and cost impacts are realized
• Reports project status, issues, and problems to Rocket Lab senior leadership
• Leads or approves inputs into proposal development and business development activities
• Team leader and accountable for the cost and schedule performance of the team
• Manages relationships with a broad set of engineering and production teams (not direct reports) to deliver on project goals
• Develops and maintains professional working relationships with all project stakeholders across the company

You'll bring this experience: 

• 5+ years of demonstrated launch vehicle or space systems project management experience
• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physics, math, or related discipline
• Demonstrated employee management experience and proficiency in task management
• Thorough understanding of launch vehicle and space systems and demonstrated breadth and depth across engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to identify and address problems using a proactive, systematic approach
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement project plans and cost and schedule against a baseline and meet requirements and stakeholder expectations
• Ability to travel regularly, including international travel

This experience would be nice to have: 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• 10+ years of demonstrated launch vehicle or space systems project management experience
• Formal project management qualifications such a PMP, APMP, etc.
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools, e.g., Microsoft Project, Teamcenter, etc.
• Experience managing both low cost and high cost space programs
• Experience with government customers, government requirements, and government project management practices
• Experience with launch vehicle design, development, and/or operations
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance or the ability to obtain one