Senior Program Manager II, RF Systems - TS/SCI at Rocketlab

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II, RF SYSTEMS - TS/SCI Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Program Manager II, RF Systems. You are the ultimate program authority for our next-generation RF Systems and Payloads. This is not a role for a spectator; you are the Mission Owner. You are responsible for the technical roadmap from the first "blank sheet" prototype and strategic "Make/Buy" decisions through the gauntlet of flight qualification and into high-rate production. Success here demands a radical mission-first mindset. You will not just read requirements; you will immerse yourself in the operational realities of National Security, Civil, and Commercial pioneers to translate their hardest problems into concrete technical milestones. You are the bridge between world-class RF engineering and the tactical edge, ensuring our technology doesn't just work, it wins. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: • Command the Lifecycle: Drive the technical roadmap for advanced payloads from a "blank sheet" concept through flight qualification and high-rate production. • Bridge the Gap: Translate complex tactical needs from Customers into high-velocity engineering sprints. You will speak the customer’s language, mission success, not just margin. • Unblock Excellence: Synchronize cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management. Your job is to remove every obstacle in their path to ensure scalable, high-throughput connectivity reaches the user on time. • Lead the Team of Teams: Partner with Chief Engineers to navigate the brutal trade-offs of Phased Arrays, Digital Signal Processing, and Production. • Forge the Supply Chain: Manage high-stakes subcontracts and vendors not as "line items," but as strategic partners essential to our mission's heartbeat. • Influence the Future: Partner with BD & Strategy for complex proposals and technical narratives that define the next generation of RF Systems and Payloads. QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II, RF SYSYEMS: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or Math • 8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for aerospace/defense tech industries • Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones • Proven track record of transitioning integrated hardware and software products from low volume prototypes to scalable, flight ready production • Understanding of the nuances of transponders, SAR or advanced communication systems • Experience identifying technical, schedule or supply chain risks and neutralize them before they impact the mission • Active TS/SCI clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • Production Velocity: You have a proven "playbook" for transitioning exquisite, low-volume prototypes into scalable, high-rate manufacturing environments without sacrificing mission reliability. • Domain Authority: Deep experience navigating the high-stakes requirements of National Security Space (NSS) or Commercial the complex architectures of massive commercial telecommunications constellations. • Systems Fluency: You speak the language of Systems Engineering. You can navigate complex trade studies, manage interface controls, and maintain requirement integrity while keeping the team moving at speed. • Advanced Technical Credibility: A Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field that allows you to peer-review technical roadmaps and bridge the gap between theory and flight hardware. • Modern Toolchain Mastery: You leverage Jira, Confluence, and ERP systems as high-fidelity sensors to track program health and automate transparency. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Traveling up to 25% to lead vendor oversight, support critical launch milestones, or engage with customers on-site • Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed during critical delivery windows, launch counts, or test campaigns to ensure the mission crosses the finish line • Work in a cleanroom or lab environment whenever the team needs a lead-from-the-front approach • 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, 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)$140,000—$180,000 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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact] 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.