{"id":3771987,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2","title":"Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems","company":{"id":684473,"name":"Rocket Lab","domain":"rocketlab.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/rocketlab-2","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":74,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.784,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":44,"computed_at":"2026-11-07T05:47:08Z"}},"role":"Product","role_family":"Product","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Littleton, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":120000,"max":175000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":175000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Agile","optional":false},{"name":"Jira","optional":false},{"name":"Verification & Validation","optional":false},{"name":"Cameo Systems Modeler","optional":true},{"name":"CCSDS","optional":true},{"name":"Docker","optional":true},{"name":"IBM DOORS","optional":true},{"name":"Kubernetes","optional":true},{"name":"Microsoft Project","optional":true},{"name":"Outlook","optional":true},{"name":"Smartsheet","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-04T19:37:30Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-04","last_verified_at":"2026-11-07T18:57:53Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\nRocket 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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS \nRocket 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. \nTECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER - GROUND SYSTEMS \nRocket Lab is looking for a driven Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems, to be based out of our Littleton, CO site. 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.\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\nManage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft\nManage the development, integration, and test of ground segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground station interfaces\nApply systems engineering discipline across space and ground segments: requirements decomposition and traceability, interface control documents (ICDs), trade studies, and verification planning\nManage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system\nInterface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain roadmaps, product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones\nDesign and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows\nDefine KPIs for contractors and internal development teams\nSet the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program\nDevelop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership\nPlan major integration points and testing between teams, including space-to-ground segment integration\nLead cross-team planning to align integration schedules and roadmaps across flight software, ground software, and supplier teams, resolving dependencies and conflicts early\nSupport program technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and own the software and ground segment inputs to them\nLead software teams' agile ceremonies including Increment Planning, Stakeholder reviews, and retrospectives / backlog refinement\nDrive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements\nDevelop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelor's degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical discipline\n3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors\n3+ years of experience with ground systems for spacecraft or satellite programs (e.g., mission operations, command and control, telemetry processing, or ground station networks)\nThorough understanding of network software\nThorough understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile methodologies including Scaled Agile (SAFe), etc.\nExperience using Jira for software development management\nHands-on systems engineering experience, including systems trades, requirements management and traceability, interface management (ICDs), performance characterization, and verification and validation\nActive security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one\nU.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nActive TS/SCI clearance\nMaster's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or other technical discipline\nINCOSE certification (ASEP/CSEP) or equivalent systems engineering credential\nExperience with requirements and model-based systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, or similar\nExperience with ground software frameworks or standards such as CCSDS, COSMOS, or similar\nAn 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\nExperience with SDA NEBULA architectures\nExperience with Cyber Security controls\nExperience with encryption\nExperience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies\nProject management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.\nAbility to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach\nProficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.\nExperience with Docker\nExperience with Kubernetes\nExperience with DevSecOps\nAbility to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines\nExcellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships\nThis 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. \nThe 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. \nBase 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 canpurchase 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. \nBase Pay Range (CO Only)\n$120,000—$175,000 USD\nWHAT TO EXPECT \nWe’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. \nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\nTo 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.\nRocket 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.\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at . 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.\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\nFor 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. \nUnder 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":9784,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Insurance coverage","Parental leave","Retirement plans","Vision insurance"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Launch Services","Satellite Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-11-04T21:50:09Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"adverts_offering_sponsorship_24m":0,"sanctioned_now":false,"evidence":"H-1B filings in 12 months: 9 · green card filings: 1","filings_12m":9,"filings_prev_12m":4,"green_card_filings_12m":1,"median_offered_wage_usd":177500,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-11-07T07:57:00+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)","US Department of Labor: PERM disclosure data (green cards)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":63,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.632,"p_room":1,"age_days":2,"expected_fill_days":44,"reasons":["conf:3","stale_co","velocity","win:early","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-11-07T05:47:08Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":175000,"is_top_pay":false},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-07T19:11:03Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":29615,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-08T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684473},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684473"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Frocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Frocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Frocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/rocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Frocket-lab-technical-project-manager-ground-systems-2"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":3771987}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"rocketlab.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":3771987},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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