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 Labs 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.
SOFTWARE PRODUCT MANAGER
Based out of Rocket Labs facility in Littleton CO, the
Software Product Manager
will oversee Rocket Labs MAX Flight Software Product. This includes contributing to roadmap creation, roadmap execution, team management, managing quarterly release cadence, and delivering product capabilities in-line with program needs. This position will collaborate with multiple disciplines across spacecraft development and will be the driving force to move MAX Flight Software and adjacent products forward. WHAT YOULL GET TO DO: Serve as the product owner for MAX Flight Software, used on a variety of missions ranging from low Earth orbit to deep space missions Manage the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process to drive productivity, reliability, and quality Design and execute a product roadmap on schedule and within budget Collaborate with our programs to ensure feature development is centrally developed and shared Manage, lead, and motivate a team of software developers to tackle product advancement and work with a matrix of other developers to address program needs Work closely with the Product Experience Manager to deliver key capabilities to enhance our user experience and help create content to promote our technologies Work closely with Business Development to ensure product roadmap and demonstrations align with key customer and market needs Work closely with other staff building our ground software, simulation software, and digital mission engineering software to ensure quality and consistency across our products Demonstrate and promoted MAX Flight Software to customers and potential customers Run our MAX Software Change Board (MSCB) Participate in and set standards for peer reviews Contribute to the development of MAX Flight Software Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all product stakeholders Travel domestically and internationally as required Report status to Rocket Lab leadership YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace 3+ Experience with project management and software product management Previous experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Masters degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience developing embedded or high reliability software in C++ Experience with Git version control Experience working in a continuous integration environment Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships 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 Labs compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Labs 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) $140,000 - $185,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but thats 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 others 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. 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 hereITAR Regulations. Apply for this job
* indicates a required field First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone * Resume/CV * Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Education School Select... Degree Select... Select... Start date year End date year Select... 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 .
If Citizenship Status Other, please explain: * Are you willing to work onsite? * Select... Do you meet all the required qualifications? *Listed under "You'll Bring These Qualifications" * Select... How many years of relevant work experience do you have (excluding internships)? * Select... Have you previously interviewed at Rocket Lab? * Select... Are you currently, or have you ever been employed by the U.S. Government in either a civilian or military capacity? * Select... How did you hear about this opportunity? * Select... Please specify * Active Security Clearance(s) * Top Secret SCI with Polygraph Top Secret Secret Confidential Other Expired Clearance Not Applicable Any offer of employment with Rocket Lab is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks. Please indicate below if you can meet these hiring requirements * Select... Please share with us your salary expectations. * Highest Level of education completed? Select... Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file. As set forth in Rocket Lab USAs Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities. If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury Disability Status Select...
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Software Product Manager
will oversee Rocket Labs MAX Flight Software Product. This includes contributing to roadmap creation, roadmap execution, team management, managing quarterly release cadence, and delivering product capabilities in-line with program needs. This position will collaborate with multiple disciplines across spacecraft development and will be the driving force to move MAX Flight Software and adjacent products forward. WHAT YOULL GET TO DO: Serve as the product owner for MAX Flight Software, used on a variety of missions ranging from low Earth orbit to deep space missions Manage the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process to drive productivity, reliability, and quality Design and execute a product roadmap on schedule and within budget Collaborate with our programs to ensure feature development is centrally developed and shared Manage, lead, and motivate a team of software developers to tackle product advancement and work with a matrix of other developers to address program needs Work closely with the Product Experience Manager to deliver key capabilities to enhance our user experience and help create content to promote our technologies Work closely with Business Development to ensure product roadmap and demonstrations align with key customer and market needs Work closely with other staff building our ground software, simulation software, and digital mission engineering software to ensure quality and consistency across our products Demonstrate and promoted MAX Flight Software to customers and potential customers Run our MAX Software Change Board (MSCB) Participate in and set standards for peer reviews Contribute to the development of MAX Flight Software Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all product stakeholders Travel domestically and internationally as required Report status to Rocket Lab leadership YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace 3+ Experience with project management and software product management Previous experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Masters degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience developing embedded or high reliability software in C++ Experience with Git version control Experience working in a continuous integration environment Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships 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 Labs compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Labs 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) $140,000 - $185,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but thats 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 others 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. 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 hereITAR Regulations. Apply for this job
* indicates a required field First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone * Resume/CV * Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Education School Select... Degree Select... Select... Start date year End date year Select... 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 .
If Citizenship Status Other, please explain: * Are you willing to work onsite? * Select... Do you meet all the required qualifications? *Listed under "You'll Bring These Qualifications" * Select... How many years of relevant work experience do you have (excluding internships)? * Select... Have you previously interviewed at Rocket Lab? * Select... Are you currently, or have you ever been employed by the U.S. Government in either a civilian or military capacity? * Select... How did you hear about this opportunity? * Select... Please specify * Active Security Clearance(s) * Top Secret SCI with Polygraph Top Secret Secret Confidential Other Expired Clearance Not Applicable Any offer of employment with Rocket Lab is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks. Please indicate below if you can meet these hiring requirements * Select... Please share with us your salary expectations. * Highest Level of education completed? Select... Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file. As set forth in Rocket Lab USAs Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities. If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury Disability Status Select...
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. #J-18808-Ljbffr