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Salary: USD 116,800 - 160,600 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Program Manager I for Advanced RF Systems to lead the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions for next-generation RF systems and payloads. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will own the complete lifecycle of RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and communications systems from prototype through flight qualification and high-rate production.
Key responsibilities include:
- Command the lifecycle of RF systems from blank-sheet concept through qualification, production, and flight operations
- Lead multiple active programs simultaneously and make architectural decisions with Chief Engineers on phased arrays, digital signal processing, and manufacturing
- Build and develop a high-performing team culture that encourages smart risk-taking and technical excellence
- Manage high-stakes subcontracts and supplier relationships as strategic mission partners
- Synchronize cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management to maintain speed and quality
- Serve as primary technical point of contact for National Security, civil, and commercial customers
- Partner with Business Development and Strategy on proposals and technical narratives for next-generation RF systems
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives. The team has built spacecraft and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of aerospace program management experience
- Demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end-to-end and delivering under pressure
- Evidence of moving real hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production
- Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems
- Experience identifying and neutralizing technical, schedule, or supply-chain risks before they impact missions
- Active TS/SCI security clearance (required)
Nice-to-have qualifications:
- Proven playbook for transitioning low-volume prototypes into high-rate production
- Deep experience in National Security Space or commercial telecommunications constellation architectures
- Demonstrated success negotiating and executing large U.S. Government or major commercial contracts
- Master's degree in Engineering or related field
- Fluency with Systems Engineering, trade studies, interface control, and tools like Jira, Confluence, and ERP
- 8+ years in aerospace/defense (though shipping the hardest thing is weighted over tenure)
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization under ITAR regulations.
