{"id":1026556,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-vice-president-space-systems-software","title":"Vice President, Space Systems Software","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":77,"open_postings":73,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.918,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":37,"computed_at":"2026-10-05T05:45:15Z"}},"role":"Leadership","role_family":"Leadership","seniority":"head","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":210000,"max":300000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":300000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Machine Learning","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2025-10-20T17:30:02Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-13","last_verified_at":"2026-10-06T00:51:50Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":350,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":349},"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\nAt 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.\nOur 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.\nVICE PRESIDENT, SPACE SYSTEMS SOFTWARE\nWe are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President, Space Systems Software to lead our satellite flight and ground software organization. This leadership role is responsible for driving strategy execution, revenue growth, operational excellence, and innovation within this business area. The VP will oversee all aspects of the segment, including growth strategy, product development, program execution, team leadership, and financial performance, while ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategic goals.\nThe ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leadership, management, and scaling software businesses, preferably in the aerospace, satellite, or related industries. This role requires a visionary leader with strong technical acumen, exceptional people skills, and the ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams.\nWHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:\nStrategic Leadership:\nDevelop and execute the business unit’s strategic plan to achieve revenue growth, market share expansion, and profitability targets.\nIdentify and capitalize on emerging market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities in satellite flight and ground software.\nUnderstand the needs of key satellite customers, including the U.S. Government, and ensure the growth strategy aligns with future market and customer needs.\nCollaborate with executive leadership to align the business unit’s goals with the company’s overall vision and strategy.\nRevenue Growth & Business Development:\nDrive revenue growth by working with the Business Development team to identify new opportunities, expand existing customer relationships, and enter new markets.\nCultivate relationships with key customers, industry partners, and stakeholders to build long-term business opportunities.\nProduct & Technology Leadership:\nOversee the development and delivery of innovative satellite flight and ground software solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.\nEnsure the business unit remains at the forefront of technology advancements, including AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions.\nCollaborate with engineering and product teams to prioritize product roadmaps and ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions.\n Operational Excellence:\nDrive operational efficiency across the business unit, including resource allocation, process optimization, and cost management.\nEstablish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability across teams.\nFoster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.\nTeam Leadership:\nBuild, lead, and mentor a high-performing team across product development, engineering, operations, and program management.\nPromote a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional development.\nInspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals and deliver exceptional results.\nFinancial Management:\nOwn the P&L for the organization, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.\nDevelop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to support strategic objectives.\nProvide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on business unit performance.\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nEducation & Experience:\nBachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science, or other field.\n12+ years of experience in leadership roles, with a focus on business development, strategy execution, and/or revenue growth with a focus on software products.\nProven experience leading software businesses.\nU.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.\nAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearance.\nSkills & Competencies:\nExceptional leadership skills, with a track record of driving revenue growth.\nStrategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.\nStrong financial acumen, including P&L management and budgeting.\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nMBA or advanced degree in engineering or computer science.\nActive security clearance.\nPrevious experience partnering with government agencies, commercial satellite operators, and/or defense contractors.\nExperience leading software businesses in the aerospace or satellite industries.\nFamiliarity with industry standards and regulations related to satellite software and operations.\nDeep understanding of satellite flight software, ground software, and/or related technologies.\nKnowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing in the aerospace domain.\nExcellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.\nOutstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders.\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$210,000—$300,000 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. 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