Program Manager II​/Senior Program Manager

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 to space.

New Product Development, Program Manager – based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Program Manager oversees project execution, interfaces with customers, defines internal programmatic processes, and leads decision‑making strategy for new product development.

• Define program requirements (external and internal) based on customer proposals.
• Regularly interface with Engineering leadership and systems engineering.
• Maintain relationships with customers and build long‑term partnerships.
• Facilitate cross‑functional planning and project execution to deliver on time, within budget, and consistent with business strategy and expectations.
• Communicate with all levels of the organization the objectives, status, risks, and needs for the program.
• Develop reporting and tracking programs to assure the project is on target for schedule and cost.
• Create and review technical requirements.
• Identify key risks and collaboratively prepare contingency plans.

• 2+ years of program management experience in product development within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry, or 2+ years of product or project engineering.
• New Product Development (NPD) or New Product Introduction (NPI) experience.
• BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated competence in problem‑solving, data analysis, and project planning.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control laws.

• 5+ years of program management experience in product development within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry, or 5+ years of product or project engineering experience.
• 5+ years of experience in New Product Development (NPD) or New Product Introduction (NPI), including at least 1 year of program management experience.
• BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated competence in problem‑solving, data analysis, and project planning.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control laws.

• 8+ years of program management experience in product development within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry.
• 8+ years of product or project engineering experience in NPD or NPI.
• Clear understanding of the manufacturing validation process for new products (methodology, validation plans, associated KPIs).
• Ability to facilitate continuous development and improvement of the New Product process(es).
• Outstanding problem‑solving skills using various methodologies.
• BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated competence in problem‑solving, data analysis, and project planning.
• Experience following federally mandated U.S. export control laws.

• Passionate drive to learn new concepts and take on new challenges.
• Outstanding attention to detail and high‑quality outputs.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with common aerospace manufacturing and test processes.
• Familiarity with common metal fabrication processes (CNC, EDM, lathe, stamping, additive, etc.).

• Base salary: $107,000—$135,000 USD, plus company equity.
• Medical HMO and PPO plans, 100% company‑sponsored HSA option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Flex schedule.
• Free breakfast and lunch catered twice a week, and free snacks and drinks.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to obtain required U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce authorizations. Eligibility requirements vary for U.S. and New Zealand offices; non‑citizen applicants may be ineligible for this role.

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.