SENIOR PROJECT MANAGERRocket Lab Robotics is developing advanced robotic and automated systems that support Rocket Lab's high-reliability manufacturing, test, and mission-enabling operations. The team brings together engineering, production, supply chain, quality, and operations to build the hardware, tooling, and integrated systems needed to move quickly from concept through production. Rocket Lab Robotics plays a critical role in helping Rocket Lab scale complex electromechanical products with speed, quality, and precision.
Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering multiple concurrent projects across our robotics and electromechanical product lines. The Senior Project Manager reports to the Director of Programs and serves as the primary project interface to customers and internal stakeholders, maintaining disciplined control of cost, schedule, and scope across a simultaneous project portfolio. This role requires a highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and can independently drive projects from proposal support through contract closeout.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Own the full project lifecycle - planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout - for multiple concurrent projects across robotics and electromechanical product lines.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, work breakdown structures (WBS), integrated master schedules (IMS), and budgets for each assigned project.
- Establish and enforce planning and control baselines; track cost, schedule, and technical performance against those baselines and communicate variances proactively.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on assigned projects; organize and lead customer milestone reviews such as Kickoff Meetings, PDRs, and CDRs.
- Lead cross-functional project teams consisting of Design, Electrical, Software, and Manufacturing/Technician personnel, coordinating priorities across simultaneous projects.
- Manage technical and project-level risks; identify scope changes and contractual modifications; develop and communicate corrective actions in a timely manner.
- Drive action item tracking and follow-through using agile project management tools; lead regular team and customer status meetings.
- Compile and present project status, schedule, and cost reporting to customers and senior leadership.
- Support proposal development efforts in partnership with Business Development, including basis-of-estimate (BOE) generation and proposal documentation.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and repeatability across the project management function.
- Mentor and support junior Project Administrators and Project Managers within the Programs team.
- Perform other duties as requested by your manager, relevant to your role.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of project management experience in the aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing industry, with demonstrated success delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous small-to-mid-size projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
- Experience managing the full project lifecycle from proposal support through contract closeout.
- Strong command of project planning tools; high proficiency in MS Project required.
- Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM/EVMS) principles and experience applying them to program cost and schedule reporting.
- Experience with government contracting environments and familiarity with ITAR-controlled programs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization without direct authority over all contributors.
- Proficient in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Due to program requirements, must be a U.S Citizen
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or active pursuit thereof.
- Experience with space robotics, electromechanical systems, or motion control products.
- Familiarity with agile project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
- Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) in a DoD or NASA contracting context.
- Established relationships with NASA, FFRDC, or DoD program offices.
- Experience supporting Business Development through capture activities and proposal coordination.
- Graduate-level degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Project/Systems Management.
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-$181,675 USD
Base Salary
$116,000-$146,000 USD
