Rocket Lab Corporation at a glance
Rocket Lab Corporation
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. 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.
SOFTWARE TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER – SECRET CLEARANCE
Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Software Technical Project Manager, to be based out of our HQ in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab’s flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Senior Manager, Business Operations.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft.
- Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system
- Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones
- Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking
- Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams
- Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program
- Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership
- Plan major integration points and testing between teams
- Lead software teams agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement
- Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements
- Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline
- 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors
- Thorough understanding of network software
- Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies including Scaled Agile (SAFe), etc.
- Experience using Jira for software development management
- Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management
- Active Secret clearance
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
- An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.
- Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures
- Experience with Cyber Security controls
- Experience with encryption
- Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies
- Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
- Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach
- Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
- Experience with Docker
- Experience with Kubernetes
- Experience with DevSecOps
- Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
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.
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.
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.
To apply for this job please visit job-boards.greenhouse.io.
Explore Rocket Lab Corporation online
What people say about Rocket Lab Corporation
- Rocketlab acquires Iridium
- NASA says Boeing Starliner astronauts may fly home on SpaceX in 2025
- Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth
- Persuasion and the Prestige Paradox (2021)
Recent news
- Rocket Lab (RKLB) Falls Hard — Its CEO May Hold the Answer - Yahoo Finance
- Hexcel vs. Rocket Lab USA: Which Aerospace Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026? - Yahoo Finance
- Rocket Lab Corporation Stock 12‑Month Price Target Cut to $119, Implies 43% Upside - TradingView
- Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) Declines More Than Market: Some Information for Investors - Yahoo Finance
- Family trust tied to Rocket Lab (RKLB) CEO sells 3,275,779 shares - Stock Titan
Aggregated from public discussions and news; opinions are the authors’ own.
Working in Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is the 44th-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 450,469 as of 2025. A charter city, Long Beach is the 7th-most populous city in California, the 2nd-most populous city in Los Angeles County, and the largest city in California that is not a county seat.
California is a U.S. state in the Western United States that lies on the Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, and Nevada and Arizona to the east; it also shares an international border with the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. With over 39 million residents across an area of 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2), it is the largest U.S. state by population and third-largest by
Source: Wikipedia (state)
Job details above are provided by the employer/source. The sections on this page are compiled from public data sources with AI assistance.
Accommodations: if you need a workplace accommodation to apply for or perform this job, see ADA.gov or EEOC.gov for guidance on your rights and how to request one.
Keep exploring on Get A Job.ai
Not quite the right fit? Your next opportunity is a click away.
- Browse all jobs
- More jobs by category
- Remote jobs you can do from anywhere
- Research typical pay for this role
- Set a job alert so new matches reach you first
- Upload your resume to apply faster
Hiring instead? Post a job and reach candidates searching right now.