Software Technical Project Manager - Secret Clearance

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$166,000 — $258,000 USD

Base Salary

$135,000 — $200,000 USD

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 discr