ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At 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.
Our 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.
SENIOR MASTER SCHEDULER II
Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Master Scheduler II is a centerpiece of all schedule-related activities supporting Space Systems development and manufacturing. In this role, you aren’t just managing a schedule; you are optimizing a high-velocity value chain. You will be counted on to identify missing pieces in day-to-day operations, support the implementation of process improvements, and help drive new scheduling norms across the Space Systems group. Our ideal candidate is an assertive, creative thinker who loves building best practices and improving processes in a fast-paced, technically focused environment.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Develop, maintain, and analyze schedules for Rocket Lab Space Systems programs. Ensure vertical and horizontal integration across all program tiers.
- Ensure schedules are aligned with project objectives and resource availability. Identify potential bottlenecks and support the development of mitigation strategies.
- Partner with Project Managers, Engineering, and Supply Chain to gather accurate data and ensure program signals are reflected with surgical precision.
- Create and deliver timely schedule reports and dashboards. You will help apprise Program Managers of schedule performance and "margin erosion."
- Create and maintain scheduling tools and processes (using ERP/MRP, SQL, or PowerBI) that improve the efficiency and quality of reporting.
- Provide clear priorities to production teams and manage "push/pull" signals to reduce lead times and ensure delivery targets are met.
- Support root cause analysis for schedule slips and help implement scalable solutions using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING:
- 8+ years of experience as a Scheduler in a New Space, Aerospace, or other technical industry, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years of total work experience).
- Detailed knowledge and familiarity with MS Project and JIRA
- Demonstrated ability to read technical documentation and understand complex hardware assembly sequences
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Basic experience writing SQL queries or building data visualizations (IE. Power BI) to track health metrics
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
- Infor LN ERP experience
- Exposure to VBA or Python to automate scheduling workflows
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
This 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.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)$125,000—$155,000 USD
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 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 here ITAR Regulations.