> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2042346-senior-technical-program-manager-ii](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2042346-senior-technical-program-manager-ii). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Technical Program Manager II - **Company:** Rocket Lab - **Location:** Tucson, AZ, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Internship / Graduate position - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Imaging Technology, Wireless Sensor Networks, Visual Systems, SC Clearance - **Published:** August 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.disabledperson.com/jobs/74205456-senior-technical-program-manager-ii ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in business, technology, or other field * 8+ years of experience in managing technical projects for the US Government * Proven ability to lead a team to the completion of program and project milestones * Hands-on expertise with active optical systems * Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote-sensing * Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility * U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements, * Current SSBI clearance * Excellent communication and presentation skills * Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight * Superior oral and written communication skills and sound problem-solving skills * Continuous improvement mindset and high attention to detail and accuracy * Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role * Excellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints * Internship or research experience supporting aerospace, defense, or optics-related projects * Exposure to MBSE concepts and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler * Familiarity with environmental testing flight hardware * Experience with configuration management practices and systems engineering documentation * Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and data analysis tools * Interest in or background knowledge of astronomy, physics, imaging systems, or remote sensing, * 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 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. 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. ## Description As a Senior Technical Program Manager II based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to lead efforts for EO space missions, ground-based sensor networks, and the research and development of new and novel technologies. To be successful in this role, you must possess experience in managing programs including electronics, software, and EO sensors on space or ground systems. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!, * Manage multiple contracts, ensuring cost, risk, schedule, staffing resources, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs, addressing any issues or risks that arise * Identify and mitigate potential risks to programs, develop contingency plans, develop and execute recovery plans, ensure timely resolution of issues, and track financial impacts * Work on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutions * Lead team(s) of engineers in planning and executing test events and resolving issues encountered, both operational and technical * Work proactively to complete tasks and meet assigned deadlines with little direction * Build and deliver effective presentations to communicate program status and plans with little direction * Communicate effectively with team members across disciplines, with project management, and particularly with customers * Maintain clear and consistent communication and foster strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders, particularly with functional teams and executive leadership * Build and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders * Lead program and customer meetings and reviews * Lead technical interchange meetings with the team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development * Lead and mentor junior technical staff and program support resources, providing guidance and support as needed * Develop and closely track Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for projects and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics (as required) * Support, and influence/lead where required, proposal and ECP efforts * Support travel or off-site work as needed * Perform other duties as assigned ## Related Videos - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Solving Architectural Entropy With Runnable Diagrams](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100144-solving-architectural-entropy-with-runnable-diagrams) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [Exploring the Potential of Decentraland](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/583-exploring-the-potential-of-decentraland) - [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)