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.

SOFTWARE TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

As a Software Technical Project Manager based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, you will oversee ASI by Rocket Lab’s MAX Flight Software Product. This includes contributing to roadmap creation, roadmap execution, team management, managing release cadence, and delivering product capabilities in-line with program needs. This position will collaborate with multiple disciplines across spacecraft development in partnering teams and will be the main driver for pushing MAX Flight Software and adjacent products forward.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as the project manager for our core product, MAX Flight Software, used on a variety of missions ranging from low Earth orbit to deep space missions
• Run our MAX Software Change Board (MSCB)
• Manage our software development process to drive productivity, reliability, and quality
• Design and execute a product roadmap on schedule and within budget
• Work in collaboration with our programs to ensure feature development is not being duplicated across programs
• Lead a small team of software developers to tackle product advancement and work with a matrix of other developers to address program needs
• Work closely with the Product Experience Manager to deliver key capabilities to enhance our user experience and help create content to promote our technologies
• Work closely with Business Development to ensure product roadmap and demonstrations align with key customer and market needs
• Work closely with other staff building our ground software, simulation software, and digital mission engineering software to ensure quality and consistency across our products
• Participate in and set standards for peer reviews
• Contribute to the development of MAX Flight Software
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all product stakeholders across the company
• Travel domestically and internationally as the project requires
• Report status and budget to Rocket Lab leadership

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace
• Experience with project management
• Experience developing spacecraft flight software
• Experience developing in C++
• Previous experience managing a team utilizing agile methodologies

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
• Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines
• Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management
• Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
• Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Projec