Ground Software Technical Project Manager

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

GROUND SOFTWARE TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Our Space Systems division designs and delivers spacecraft solutions for a range of missions, from low Earth orbit to interplanetary.

We are seeking a highly motivated Ground Software Technical Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of mission-critical software projects supporting Rocket Lab’s growing constellation of spacecraft and space infrastructure. This position is based at our Littleton, CO site and offers a unique opportunity to work across engineering, operations, and customer teams to deliver resilient and scalable ground systems.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Own the end-to-end project lifecycle for Ground Software development across multiple spacecraft programs.
• Define and manage schedules, scope, resources, and risks across ground software teams, including mission operations tools, telemetry and command infrastructure, and mission planning software.
• Lead Agile ceremonies and manage Jira boards for sprint planning, backlog grooming, and tracking key milestones.
• Serve as the primary interface between Ground Software Engineering and internal stakeholders (Mission Ops, Avionics, GNC, FSW, Spacecraft Engineering) to ensure alignment of timelines and deliverables.
• Manage subcontractors and vendors, ensuring timely feature drops, integration, and validation against mission needs.
• Own the ground system development roadmap, integrating feedback from operators, mission managers, and customers.
• Champion process discipline across CI/CD, change control, and documentation to ensure operational readiness.
• Travel occasionally for customer engagements, integration milestones, or mission operations support.
• Regularly report project status, budget, and risks to senior Rocket Lab leadership.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in software project or technical program management, ideally in a high-reliability or embedded systems domain.
• Experience managing software development through the full lifecycle - from design to operational deployment.
• Experience working with Agile methodologies, managing Jira boards, and running sprint cadences.
• Familiarity with ground system architectures, mission control frameworks, or spacecraft operations tooling.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in a technical discipline or MBA with technical background.
• Prior experience supporting ground software or mission operations for satellite missions.
• Experience with DevSecOps practices, Kubernetes/Docker-based environments, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with secure communications, encryption, or cybersecurity