Mission Manager

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Based out of one of Rocket Lab sites in North America, 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 for Rocket Lab’s HASTE program. 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 suborbital and/or hypersonic payloads.

• Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
• Oversee hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks,dispenser and launch vehicle integration.
• Lead technical milestone reviews with customers such as mission design or test readiness reviews
• Assists business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews.
• Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Payload Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline – Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred.
• 5+ years of mission management experience/Technical program management experience
• 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).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

• Experience with Suborbital and/or hypersonic 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.
• Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, able toassistwith closure of sales / customer capture.
• Ability to understand technical constraintsrelativeto payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.
• Solid presentation and technical writing skills.

This 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

$137,075 — $196,275 USD

$116,800 — $160,600 USD

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.