Mission Manager- TS/SCI Clearance

Rocket Lab CorporationLong Beach, CA

leadRegularPosted 25 Sept 2026

Apply on Rocket Lab Corporation's site Tailor my resume first

About the role

<div class="content-intro">ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.</div>&nbsp;

MISSION MANAGER&nbsp;

Based out of one of Rocket Lab sites in North America, Mission Managers work directly with customers from signing of contract through payload integration to launch at either our Auckland, New Zealand or Wallops, Virginia launch site for Rocket Lab’s HASTE program. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with both commercial and government customers as well as frequent domestic and international travel. Prior mission management or mission integration experience&nbsp;required, preferably in support of suborbital and/or hypersonic payloads.&nbsp;

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:&nbsp;

<ul>

<li>Management of multiple Rocket Lab customer missions, including technical, programmatic, and financial milestones.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Oversee&nbsp;hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks,&nbsp;dispenser&nbsp;and launch vehicle integration.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Lead technical milestone reviews with customers such as mission design or test readiness reviews&nbsp;</li>

<li>Assists&nbsp;business development with proposal input, lead generation, and technical sales engineering reviews.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Responsible for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Payload Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).&nbsp;</li>

<li>In constant contact with customers to answer questions with technical staff as&nbsp;required.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Represent the company at public events, including conferences, industry forums,&nbsp;outreach&nbsp;and recruiting events.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Helps lead Mission Integrators in expanding their mission management skillset&nbsp;</li>

</ul>

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A MISSION MANAGER:&nbsp;

<ul>

<li>Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline – Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred.&nbsp;</li>

<li>5+ years of mission management experience/Technical program management experience&nbsp;</li>

<li>Active DoD Secret Clearance&nbsp;</li>

<li>Hardware integration or project management experience on either launch vehicles or spacecraft projects.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Ability to travel to launch pads, customer sites, and overseas (e.g.&nbsp;Rocket Labs New Zealand facility/launch site).&nbsp;</li>

</ul>

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:&nbsp;

<ul>

<li>Experience with Suborbital and/or hypersonic payloads&nbsp;</li>

<li>ITAR -&nbsp;Previous&nbsp;experience with ITAR &amp; establishment of TAA's.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Previous&nbsp;Mission Management or Mission Integration experience.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Experience working with complex mechanical systems with your own hands.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, able to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;with closure of sales / customer capture.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Ability to understand technical constraints&nbsp;relative&nbsp;to payload launch including results from mission specific analysis.&nbsp;</li>

<li>Solid presentation and technical writing skills.&nbsp;</li>

</ul>

&nbsp;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<div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description">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,&nbsp;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.</div><div class="title">Total Compensation (base and equity)</div><div class="pay-range">$137,075&mdash;$196,275 USD</div></div><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Base Salary</div><div class="pay-range">$116,800&mdash;$160,600 USD</div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion">WHAT TO EXPECT<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528

From Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page on Greenhouse. See the original posting. OneProfile isn't the employer and doesn't take applications; you apply on their site.

About the role

More jobs