WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs, addressing any issues or risks that arise Identify and mitigate potential risks to programs, develop contingency plans, develop and execute recovery plans, ensure timely resolution of issues, and track financial impacts Work on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutions Lead team(s) of engineers in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered, both operational and technical Work proactively to complete tasks and meet assigned deadlines with little direction Build and deliver effective presentations to communicate program status and plans with little direction Communicate effectively with team members across disciplines, with project management, and particularly with customers Maintain clear and consistent communication and foster strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders, particularly with functional teams and executive leadership Build and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders Lead program and customer meetings and reviews Lead technical interchange meetings with the team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development Lead and mentor junior technical staff and program support resources, providing guidance and support as needed Develop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for projects and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics (as required) Support, and influence/lead where required, proposal and ECP efforts Support travel or off-site work as needed Perform other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER I: Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or other field 5+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones Hands-on expertise with active optical systems Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote-sensing Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II: Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or other field 8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones Hands-on expertise with active optical systems Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote-sensing Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Current SSBI clearance Excellent communication and presentation skills Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight Superior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skills Continuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracy Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role Excellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints Internship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projects Exposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler Familiarity with environmental testing flight hardware Experience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentation Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis tools Interest in or background knowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing 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. 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.