Head of Technical Programme Management

Senior Technical Program Manager II - Space Sensing & Domain Awareness (TS/SCI)Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you are the program authority for our advanced optical and infrared sensing payloads. This is a high-ownership role: you'll immerse yourself in the operational realities of the tracking, warning, and surveillance mission to turn their hardest problems into concrete technical milestones, and you'll be the person the program runs on.Build the Bench: Grow a culture where strong people take smart, healthy risks and the best idea wins, no matter who it comes from, we back bold calls and treat an intelligent miss as the cost of moving fast, and coach and develop the next generation of program and team leaders.Forge the Supply Chain: Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners essential to the mission, protecting schedule and margin.Unblock Excellence: Synchronize cross-functional teams across optics, electronics, software, and the data chain and clear roadblocks quickly so the team keeps moving at speed and quality stays high.Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned U.Government tracking, warning, and surveillance customers, and partner with BD & Strategy on proposals and technical narratives that define the next generation of space domain awareness.You'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline8+ years of program management experienceA demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end to end and carrying it across the finish line under real pressure, we hire on what you've shipped, not years loggedEvidence you've moved real hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready productionUnderstanding of the nuances of EO/IR sensing, optical payloads, or focal plane arraysExperience identifying technical, schedule, or supply-chain risk and neutralizing it before it impacts the missionActive TS/SCI clearanceThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Production Velocity: Capture & Customer: A Master's degree in Engineering, Optics, or a related field that lets you peer-review sensing roadmaps.Depth of Reps: Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense, sharpen the edge, but we weight the hardest thing you've shipped over the count.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. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity)$166,800 - $258,625 USDBase Salary$134,300 - $201,350 USD