New

Program Manager II/Senior Program Manager I

Rocket Lab USA
$107,000—$135,000 USD
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Maryland, Silver Spring
2303 Kansas Avenue (Show on map)
Jul 13, 2026
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 rockethas 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. New Product Development, Sr. Program Manager II/III Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Program Manager oversees project execution, interfaces with customers, defines internal programmatic processes, and leads decision-making strategy. This Rocket Lab facility manufactures satellite components; their products include separation systems, on-orbit mechanisms, and other electro-mechanicaldeployables.Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! About THE ROLE As aNew Product Development, Program Manager, you'll lead technical project management from concept through to launch. You'll work closely with teams across design,manufacturing,and procurement to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. Fromnewconcept tonewproduct introduction,this role is aboutdriving engineeringsolutions focusedon solvingchallenging problems and delivering results. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Define program requirements (external & internal) based on customer proposals Regularly interface with Engineering leadership and systems engineer Maintain relationships with customers and work to build long-term partnerships Facilitate cross-functional planning and project execution, ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and consistent with business strategy and expectations. Communicate with all levels of the organization the objectives, status, risks, and needs for the program. Develop reporting and tracking programs to assure the project is on target for schedule and cost Createand reviewtechnicalrequirements. Identify key risks and collaboratively prepare contingency plans *(PLEASE NOTE: This role can be hired at theProgram ManagerIIorSenior Program ManagerI orII)* YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PROGRAM MANAGER II: 2+ years of program management experience in product development environment within aerospace manufacturing or a similar industry, or 2+ years of product or project engineering New Product Development(NPD)or New Product Introduction(NPI)experience BS or BA in engineering, business, or a relevant field Demonstrated competence in problem-solving, data analysis, project planning Experience following federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS ASENIORPROGRAM MANAGER I: 5+ years of program management experienceinproduct development environment within aerospacemanufacturingor a similar industry, or 5+ years ofproductor projectengineeringexperience inNew Product Development(NPD)or New Product Introduction(NPI)experience(Includes minimum 1 year of Program Management Experience) BS or BA inengineering, business, or arelevant field Demonstrated competence in problem-solving, data analysis, project planning Experience following federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS ANew ProductDevelopment,Senior ProgramManagerII: 8+ years of program management experienceinproduct development environment within aerospacemanufacturingor a similar industry 8+ yearsofproductor project engineeringexperience inNew Product Development(NPD)or New Product Introduction(NPI)experience Clear understanding of how the manufacturing validation process runs in relation to new products (methodology, validation plans, associated KPIs). Able to facilitate continuous development and betterment ofNew Productprocess(es) Outstanding problem-solving skills; adverse in various problem-solving methodologies BS or BA inengineering, business, or arelevant field Demonstrated competence in problem-solving, data analysis, project planning Experience following federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:** Passionate drive to learn new concepts and take on new challenges Outstanding attention to detail and high-quality outputs Strong communication skills to effectively communicate at all levels of the organizationenabling efficient decision-making Familiarity with commonaerospacemanufacturing and test processes Familiarity with common metal fabrication processes (CNC, EDM, lathe, stamping, additive, etc.) 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 HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 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, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks. 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. Base Pay Range (MD Only) $107,000 — $135,000 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 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.