Rocket Lab

Mission Manager

Rocket Lab • $116K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace preferred).
  • 5+ years of mission management or technical program management experience.
  • Experience with hardware integration or project management on launch vehicles or spacecraft.
  • Willingness to travel frequently, including international locations.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Manage multiple customer missions through key technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
  • Oversee hands-on payload integration tasks, including fit checks and vehicle integration.
  • Lead technical reviews with customers pertaining to mission design or readiness.
  • Assist business development with proposals and technical reviews.
  • Develop and verify Launch Vehicle to Payload Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
  • Maintain constant communication with customers for technical inquiries.
  • Represent Rocket Lab at industry events and outreach activities.

Benefits

  • Equity grants that offer ownership in the company.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 holidays annually.
  • Flexible spending accounts and paid parental leave.
  • Subsidized electric vehicle charging and onsite fitness centers.
Full Job Description
MISSION MANAGER

Based out of one of Rocket Lab sites in North America, Mission Managers work directly with customers from signing of contract through payload integration to launch at either our Auckland, New Zealand or Wallops, Virginia launch site for Rocket Lab's HASTE program. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with both commercial and government customers as well as frequent domestic and international travel. Prior mission management or mission integration experience required, preferably in support of suborbital and/or hypersonic payloads.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.
  • Oversee hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser and launch vehicle integration.
  • Lead technical milestone reviews with customers such as mission design or test readiness reviews
  • Assists business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews.
  • Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Payload Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
  • In constant contact with customers to answer questions with technical staff as required.
  • Represent the company at public events, including conferences, industry forums, outreach and recruiting events.
  • Helps lead Mission Integrators in expanding their mission management skillset

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A MISSION MANAGER:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline - Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of mission management experience/Technical program management experience
  • Hardware integration or project management experience on either launch vehicles or spacecraft projects.
  • Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas (e.g. Rocket Labs New Zealand facility/launch site).
  • Must be willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Experience with Suborbital and/or hypersonic payloads
  • ITAR - Previous experience with ITAR & establishment of TAA's.
  • Previous Mission Management or Mission Integration experience.
  • Experience working with complex mechanical systems with your own hands.
  • Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
  • Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, able to assist with closure of sales / customer capture.
  • Ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.
  • Solid presentation and technical writing skills.

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)

$137,075-$196,275 USD

Base Salary

$116,800-$160,600 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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