Program 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. 

PROGRAM MANAGER

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Program Manager shall be responsible for execution of the program lifecycle, including definition, planning, execution and closeout for programs assigned. Established in 1998, Rocket Lab’s Albuquerque (ABQ) facility is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of highest efficiency solar cells and solar panels, as well as composite structural products for space power applications. The PM will be responsible for managing the scope, schedule, and budget (revenue forecasting, margin, profit & loss) of the program in accordance with customer and corporate objectives, as well as corporate policies, processes and procedures.  The PM will also anticipate customer needs and successfully manage changes in project scope, schedule, budget and personnel to ensure customer satisfaction.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for entire program lifecycle, including definition, planning, execution, and closeout
• Ensure projects are successfully delivered on time, within budget, and to specifications
• Anticipate customer needs and successfully manage changes in project scope, schedule, budget, and personnel ensuring customer satisfaction
• Provide visibility to customers on all aspects of performance
• Define program tasks and schedules together with manufacturing, and provide budgets for accomplishing each task
• Interface with the management of the functional organizations to assure adequate resources are allocated to meet program cost, technical, and schedule requirements as planned
• Proactively manage and communicate project risks and issues
• Monitor and review team delivery for internal, external, local, and remote resources; and hold team members accountable to commitments
• Communicate project progress frequently and effectively to staff and executive levels, and work effectively within organization to evaluate project results

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of program or project management experience
• Experience implementing cross-functional projects in a technical environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Program management experience in the solar and/or wind industries, specifically managing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts
• Experience in energy project management, financial analysis, or project financing within the solar industry is a plus, as well as good understanding of the economics of energy projects, including capital cost, variable cost, and IRR calculations
• Demonstrated achievements in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget and with desired functionality
• Ability to be broadly focused, while paying attention to detail and concurrently managing multiple efforts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including those necessary for an executive audience
• Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and influential skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced, changing, and ambiguous environments
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