Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems, to be based out of our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Ground Systems, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems, ground systems, and government programs, along with hands-on systems engineering experience. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with experience in ground systems for satellite mission management being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Ground Software.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft
• Manage the development, integration, and test of ground segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground station interfaces
• Apply systems engineering discipline across space and ground segments: requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents (ICDs), trade studies, and verification planning
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system
• Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones
• Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows
• Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams
• Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program
• Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership
• Plan major integration points and testing between teams, including space-to-ground segment integration
• Lead cross-team planning to align integration schedules and roadmaps across flight software, ground software, and supplier teams, resolving dependencies and conflicts early
• Support program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and own the software and ground segment inputs to them
• Lead software teams' agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement
• Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements
• Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors
• 3+ years of experience with ground systems for spacecraft or satellite programs (e.g., mission operations, command and control, telemetry processing, or ground station networks)
• Thorough understanding of network software
• Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies including Scaled Agile (SAFe), etc.
• Experience using Jira for software development management
• Hands-on systems engineering experience, including systems trades, requirements management and traceability, interface management (ICDs), performance characterization, and verification and validation
• Active security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or other technical discipline
• INCOSE certification (ASEP/CSEP) or equivalent systems engineering credential
• Experience with requirements and model-based systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, or similar
• Experience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS, COSMOS, or similar
• An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them
• Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures
• Experience with Cyber Security controls
• Experience with encryption
• Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies
• 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 Project, Smartsheet, etc.
• Experience with Docker
• Experience with Kubernetes
• Experience with DevSecOps
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships