SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab Optical Systems, part of Rocket Lab's Space Systems division, is seeking a Principal Program Manager to lead electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) space missions and ground-based sensor networks for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. The division has enabled over 1,700 missions, including work with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force on spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars.
In this role, you will manage multiple contracts and complex space or ground-based sensor programs, overseeing cost, risk, schedule, staffing, and technical performance. You will identify and mitigate program risks, develop contingency and recovery plans, and track financial impacts. You will lead teams of engineers in planning and executing test events, resolving both operational and technical issues, and working on unusually complex technical problems to deliver innovative solutions.
Key responsibilities include: managing multiple contracts with attention to cost, risk, schedule, and technical performance; identifying and mitigating risks with contingency planning; leading engineering teams through test events and issue resolution; developing and tracking Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics; leading program and customer meetings and technical interchange meetings; mentoring junior technical staff; building and maintaining relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders; communicating program status and plans to leadership and customers; supporting proposal and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) efforts; and performing other duties as assigned.
You will work in a fast-paced environment focused on building real hardware for meaningful missions. The role requires strong communication skills, proactive task completion, and the ability to work with minimal direction. Travel or off-site work may be required.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in business, technology, or technical discipline
- 12+ years of experience managing technical projects for the US Government
- Proven ability to lead teams to completion of programs and project milestones
- Hands-on expertise with active optical systems
- Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements and ITAR regulations
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current SSBI clearance
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Self-motivated with ability to perform with minimal oversight
- Superior problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Experience in dynamic, high-visibility roles
- Excellent management and resource prioritization skills
- Internship or research experience in aerospace, defense, or optics
- Exposure to MBSE concepts and tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler)
- Familiarity with environmental testing of flight hardware
- Experience with configuration management and systems engineering documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for formulas and data analysis
- Knowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing
