Mission Manager - Space Systems
Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Mission Manager to join its Space Systems team at the Long Beach, California headquarters. This role involves direct engagement with customers from contract signing through payload integration and launch, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between Rocket Lab, external clients, and launch service providers. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with small spacecraft and be comfortable working with both commercial and government customers, including frequent domestic and international travel.
Key responsibilities include managing multiple space systems missions, overseeing technical, programmatic, and financial milestones. The Mission Manager will lead payload integration activities such as fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration. They will develop and verify Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD) and related verification artifacts. Maintaining constant communication with customers and launch service providers to address technical inquiries is essential. Additionally, the role involves shaping spacecraft design and testing requirements for launch vehicle compatibility, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal aspects, as well as planning and executing launch site activities.
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline and have over five years of mission or program management experience, or an engineering background in areas such as stress, fatigue, payloads, vibration, or thermal analysis. Experience in hardware integration or project management related to launch vehicles or spacecraft projects is required. The role also demands the ability to travel to various launch sites, customer locations, and Rocket Lab's New Zealand facilities.
Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and a fully company-sponsored medical HSA plan option. Employees receive dental and vision coverage, three weeks of paid vacation, five days of sick leave per year, and eleven paid holidays annually. Additional benefits include 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 encompass a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, an onsite gym, food and drinks, and various other discounts.
Joining Rocket Lab means becoming part of a team dedicated to unlocking the potential of space to improve life on Earth. The company values hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and grit. Employees are encouraged to out-think, out-work, and out-pace, with a focus on delivering results and overcoming challenges. The collaborative environment ensures that every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference, providing ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.