Job brief: Technical Project Manager - Ground Systems

What JoRoute checked · Checked by JoRoute

• Listed on Rocket Lab's own job board. JoRoute does not take listings from job ads or recruiters.
• First seen by JoRoute 2026-11-04 (3 days ago); last confirmed on the board 2026-11-07.
• The apply link opens job-boards.greenhouse.io, the address Rocket Lab's board gives for this job.
• No other listing with this title and place on this board in the last 90 days.
• No layoff notices (WARN) under this name in the state files JoRoute reads.

What the listing says · Employer's own words, not checked

• Pay: $135,000 to $200,000 a year
• Job type: Not stated
• Where: Long Beach, CA · ASI Office
• Posted: 2026-11-04

What the job asks · Employer's own words, not checked

Level: Manager. The title says "Manager".

Must have

• Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with experience in ground systems for satellite mission management being an additional benefit.
• Bachelor's degree & 8+ years industry experience in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors
• 3+ years of experience with ground systems for spacecraft or satellite programs (e.g., mission operations, command and control, telemetry processing, or ground station networks)
• Active security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Main duties

• Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft
• Manage the development, integration, and test of ground segment software, including mission operations, command and control, and ground station interfaces
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system
• Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking and end-to-end space-to-ground data flows
• Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership

Lines copied from the posting, not rewritten. "Preferred" or "nice to have" items are not listed as must-haves.

How it compares · Compared by JoRoute from listings

• Typical listed pay for project and program manager jobs in California: $160k a year (125 listings, 35 employers). This listing is 5% higher.
• Across Rocket Lab's 452 open listings, 24% of those with a posting date were first posted more than 60 days ago. How Rocket Lab hires

What nobody outside the employer knows · Not known

• Whether the role is already filled or on hold: employers often leave listings up.
• How many people applied, and who reads the applications.
• Where in the published range an offer would land.

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• 28 more project and program manager jobs within 25 miles, on the job map with pay.
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