Program Manager II/Senior, ADCS Components

About The Role

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

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

PROGRAM MANAGER II/SENIOR, ADCS COMPONENTS

Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Toronto, Canada, the Program Manager, ADCS Components is responsible for managing programmatic internal and customer-facing activities for the Rocket Lab Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) component programs. The role is primarily focused on close collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Operations teams to gather the information needed to prepare higher level plans, forecasts and responses required both internally and by the customers.

The role requires technical knowledge of the satellite ADCS system in general, and reaction wheels and star trackers in particular, in order to understand nuances in the product’s production and testing; and to independently convey the feedback to their customers in a concise and cohesive manner. The Rocket Lab ADCS line of products currently spans several reaction wheel and star tracker models. This position reports to the Senior Director of Business Development, ADCS Components.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Program Manager II, Senior Program Manager I, or Senior Program Manager II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead program management activities and act as the customer interface throughout execution of ADCS Component programs that may include units in production, Non-recurring Engineering (NRE) services, or a combination of both.
• Interface with Engineering/Production/Quality teams and be responsible for delivery of End Item Data Packages to customers in a timely manner. 
• Collect inputs from Customers and internal Production team to plan production operations at all time scales (yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly) that complies with customer constraints and requirements. This includes:
• Yearly plans that feed procurement, facilities, and resource planning activities
• Quarterly and monthly plans that feed tactical decisions and prioritizations
• Weekly plans that inform logistics, accounting and shipping activities  
• On an ongoing basis, track production and inventory at a level sufficient for estimating lead time for incoming RFQs.
• Manage onboarding and intake process for all new customers and new orders. For international orders, manage export permit applications until completion.
• On an ongoing basis, track progress in production, procurement, shipping, and related activities (e.g., NCRs) at a level sufficient to identify risks to customer need dates and internal revenue targets.
• Provide input on risks and opportunities to weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings with finance and executive teams.
• Manage customer communication from order acceptance onward, including customer support requests made post-delivery.
• Monitor high-probability opportunities in pipeline/forecast to identify risks and opportunities in advance of order receipt.
• Manage incoming RMAs between Rocket Lab and its customers.
• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders at various divisions within Rocket Lab.
• Facilitate further growth of existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PROGRAM MANAGER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Preliminary knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.
• Exposure to spacecraft component manufacturing processes in a supporting role.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Advanced knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.
• Experience in managing spacecraft component manufacturing processes as the primary program manager.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• In-depth knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.
• Experience in managing multiple high-value spacecraft component manufacturing processes as the primary program manager. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business.
• Experience in design/manufacture of reaction wheels and/or star trackers.
• Demonstrable record of success in program management and/or engineering management of satellite ADCS products.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups.
• Experience working with geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects.
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues to do the same.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as dictated by the programs and customers’ location/time zone.
• This is a fully in-person position requiring presence in the office 5 days a week.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.