Senior Program Manager II - Advanced RF Systems (TS/SCI) Verified today

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. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives, including spacecraft and components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you are the program authority for next-generation RF systems and payloads. You own the technical roadmap and strategic program decisions from prototype through flight qualification and into high-rate production. You will be the person the program runs on.

What You'll Own

• Command the lifecycle: Build and lead the team that takes RF payloads, transponders, SAR, and communications systems from concept through qualification, high-rate production, and flight. Own the technical roadmap that grows the team's core capabilities.
• Lead multiple active programs: Make sound architectural calls with Chief Engineers, navigate trade-offs in phased arrays, digital signal processing, and high-rate manufacturing, and dive into the most program-threatening problems alongside the team.
• Grow the team: Build a culture where strong people take smart risks and the best idea wins. Coach and develop the next generation of program and team leaders.
• Manage suppliers: Handle high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners, protecting schedule and margin.
• Clear roadblocks: Synchronize cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and spectrum management to keep the team moving at speed with high quality.
• Own customer relationships: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned national security, civil, and commercial customers. Partner with business development on proposals and technical narratives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline
• 8+ years of program management experience
• Demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end to end and carrying it across the finish line under pressure
• Evidence you've moved real hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production
• Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems
• Experience identifying technical, schedule, or supply-chain risk and neutralizing it before it impacts the mission
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven playbook for transitioning low-volume prototypes into high-rate production without sacrificing mission reliability
• Deep experience navigating National Security Space or massive commercial telecommunications constellation architectures
• Demonstrated success negotiating, capturing, 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, requirement integrity, and tools like Jira, Confluence, and ERP
• Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (California): $134,000 to $201,000 USD, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top tier medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company-sponsored HSA 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, 401(k) with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Employment Requirements

For U.S. offices: To conform to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.

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.