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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. GROUND SOFTWARE TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Our Space Systems division designs and delivers spacecraft solutions for a range of missions, from low Earth orbit to interplanetary. We are seeking a highly motivated Ground Software Technical Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of mission-critical software projects supporting Rocket Lab’s growing constellation of spacecraft and space infrastructure. This position is based at our Littleton, CO site and offers a unique opportunity to work across engineering, operations, and customer teams to deliver resilient and scalable ground systems. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Own the end-to-end project lifecycle for Ground Software development across multiple spacecraft programs. Define and manage schedules, scope, resources, and risks across ground software teams, including mission operations tools, telemetry and command infrastructure, and mission planning software. Lead Agile ceremonies and manage Jira boards for sprint planning, backlog grooming, and tracking key milestones. Serve as the primary interface between Ground Software Engineering and internal stakeholders (Mission Ops, Avionics, GNC, FSW, Spacecraft Engineering) to ensure alignment of timelines and deliverables. Manage subcontractors and vendors, ensuring timely feature drops, integration, and validation against mission needs. Own the ground system development roadmap, integrating feedback from operators, mission managers, and customers. Champion process discipline across CI/CD, change control, and documentation to ensure operational readiness. Travel occasionally for customer engagements, integration milestones, or mission operations support. Regularly report project status, budget, and risks to senior Rocket Lab leadership. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline. 5+ years of experience in software project or technical program management, ideally in a high-reliability or embedded systems domain. Experience managing software development through the full lifecycle - from design to operational deployment. Experience working with Agile methodologies, managing Jira boards, and running sprint cadences. Familiarity with ground system architectures, mission control frameworks, or spacecraft operations tooling. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master’s degree in a technical discipline or MBA with technical background. Prior experience supporting ground software or mission operations for satellite missions. Experience with DevSecOps practices, Kubernetes/Docker-based environments, and CI/CD pipelines. Familiarity with secure communications, encryption, or cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, DoD RMF, etc.). Understanding of mission planning, telemetry & command systems, and operational readiness processes. Experience collaborating with U.S. government or defense customers; ability to obtain a U.S. Secret or TS/SCI security clearance. PMP, Agile Certified Practitioner, or other relevant project management certification. Passion for space exploration and the agility to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings. Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.  Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.  You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and  can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.    Base Pay Range (CO Only) $120,000 — $180,000 USD   WHAT TO EXPECT   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.     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 here . Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.   FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.  Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here  ITAR Regulations.