Program Manager II/Senior, ADCS Components

About this role

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

PROGRAM MANAGER II/SENIOR, ADCS COMPONENTS

Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Toronto, Canada, the Program Manager, ADCS Components is responsible for managing programmatic internal and customer-facing activities for the Rocket Lab Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) component programs. The role is primarily focused on close collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Operations teams to gather the information needed to prepare higher level plans, forecasts and responses required both internally and by the customers.

The role requires technical knowledge of the satellite ADCS system in general, and reaction wheels and star trackers in particular, in order to understand nuances in the product’s production and testing; and to independently convey the feedback to their customers in a concise and cohesive manner. The Rocket Lab ADCS line of products currently spans several reaction wheel and star tracker models. This position reports to the Senior Director of Business Development, ADCS Components.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Program Manager II, Senior Program Manager I, or Senior Program Manager II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead program management activities and act as the customer interface throughout execution of ADCS Component programs that may include units in production, Non-recurring Engineering (NRE) services, or a combination of both.

• Interface with Engineering/Production/Quality teams and be responsible for delivery of End Item Data Packages to customers in a timely manner.

• Collect inputs from Customers and internal Production team to plan production operations at all time scales (yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly) that complies with customer constraints and requirements. This includes:

• Yearly plans that feed procurement, facilities, and resource planning activities

• Quarterly and monthly plans that feed tactical decisions and prioritizations

• Weekly plans that inform logistics, accounting and shipping activities

• On an ongoing basis, track production and inventory at a level sufficient for estimating lead time for incoming RFQs.

• Manage onboarding and intake process for all new customers and new orders. For international orders, manage export permit applications until completion.

• On an ongoing basis, track progress in production, procurement, shipping, and related activities (e.g., NCRs) at a level sufficient to identify risks to customer need dates and internal revenue targets.

• Provide input on risks and opportunities to weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings with finance and executive teams.

• Manage customer communication from order acceptance onward, including customer support requests made post-delivery.

• Monitor high-probability opportunities in pipeline/forecast to identify risks and opportunities in advance of order receipt.

• Manage incoming RMAs between Rocket Lab and its customers.

• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders at various divisions within Rocket Lab.

• Facilitate further growth of existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities.

• Other duties as assigned or required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PROGRAM MANAGER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.

• 2+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.

• Preliminary knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.

• Exposure to spacecraft component manufacturing processes in a supporting role.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.

• 5+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.

• Advanced knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.

• Experience in managing spacecraft component manufacturing processes as the primary program manager.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.

• 8+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.

• In-depth knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.

• Experience in managing multiple high-value spacecraft component manufacturing…