Program Operations Coordinator
Job Description
ABOUT 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 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 OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
As a Program Operations Coordinator, you will be responsible for supporting engineering projects through accurate data management, schedule tracking, and data reporting. Program Operations Coordinators play an important role in ensuring the success of Rocket Lab spacecraft programs by working closely with the Space Systems Chief Engineer, Program Managers, and teams to execute programs based on technical, programmatic, and financial requirements. This role will be based in Long Beach, CA, and will be full-time onsite.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO
- Program Planning and Execution:
- Collaborate closely with Chief Engineer and Program Managers to define program goals, milestones, and deliverables.
- Assist in development of program plans, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure successful program execution.
- Monitor program progress and address deviations, ensuring alignment with established goals.
- Procurement Management:
- Interface with vendors, subcontractors, and engineers to manage equipment and hardware procurements for programs.
- Coordinate procurement activities, including issuing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring timely availability of resources.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain to maintain efficient inventory levels and address any procurement challenges.
- Supply Chain and Quality Coordination:
- Work closely with Supply Chain and Quality teams to meet program hardware delivery, receiving, and storage requirements within established timelines.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and certifications for procured materials.
- Identify and resolve any supply chain or quality related issues that could impact program objectives.
- Process Streamlining and Reporting:
- Advise on and implement streamlined processes, reports, invoicing, and tracking mechanisms for contracts and procurement activities.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of processes and procedures.
- Generate regular reports to provide insights into procurement status, program progress, and potential risks.
- Problem Solving and Risk Management:
- Identify potential problems and risks that could impact program timelines and objectives.
- Develop agile solutions and work with PMO to create contingency plans to mitigate risks and ensure program success.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address challenges and implement effective solutions.
- Team Collaboration and Improvement:
- Contribute actively in team meetings, providing insights and updates on program operations.
- Schedule and facilitate formalized review meetings, capturing meeting minutes and action items.
- Propose improvements to processes, workflows, and tools based on continuous evaluation.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field
- 2+ years of work experience
- Proficiency in project management tools and software
- Ability to obtain a US security clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Experience with JIRA and Confluence
- Experience with Microsoft Project or SmartSheet
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to proactively seek solutions/improvements to organizational or program process deficiencies
- Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment with competing priorities
- Proficiency in MS Office products (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- General understanding of finance, accounting, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- Experience in a “New Space” company
- Experience with USG contracts and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards in space systems development
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
Salary Range: $20/hr – $35/hr
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’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.
Important information:
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 Biow 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 here ITAR Regulations.
