Program Manager, ADCS Components

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket 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. 

PROGRAM MANAGER, ADCS COMPONENTS 

Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Toronto, Canada, the Program Manager, ADCS Components is responsible for managing technical and programmatic customer interfacing activities for the Rocket Lab Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) component programs. The role primarily includes preparing technical proposal packages, converting successful proposal to Programs, and overseeing the Programs until their conclusions. The role requires technical knowledge of the satellite ADCS system in general, and reaction wheels and star trackers in particular, in order to be able to engage with customers on an in-depth technical level and address their requests as independently as possible. The Rocket Lab ADCS line of products currently spans over several reaction wheel models, star trackers and a rate sensor assembly. The position reports to the Director of Business Development, ADCS Components. 

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 Recurring Engineering (RE), Non-recurring Engineering (NRE), or a combination of both. 
• Collaborate with the Engineering and Production teams to create ADCS Components product collateral and ensure timely delivery of deliverables. 
• Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space programs.
• Accurately identify the RE and NRE aspects required. 
• Develop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission including generation of technical, management, cost, and schedule for all aspects of the proposed work. 
• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders at various ADCS component divisions within Rocket Lab. 
• Facilitate further growth of existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities. 
• Facilitate new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to potential customers. 
• Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings, as needed. 
• Travel as needed for business opportunities. 
• Other duties as assigned or required. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline. 
• 5+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry. 
• Knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs. 
• Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business. 
• Experience in design/manufacture of reaction wheels and/or star trackers. 
• Demonstrable record of success in business development, program management and/or engineering of satellite ADCS products. 
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. 
• Personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups. 
• Experience working with geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects. 
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues to do the same. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed. 
• 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.