Senior Manager, Operations

About The Role

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.

SENIOR MANAGER, OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS

Rocket Lab's Operations team is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and scalable execution of business operations across facilities, manufacturing support functions, and infrastructure. The team drives operational excellence through effective management of facilities, equipment, machine shop operations, capital projects, maintenance programs, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable successful program execution.

SENIOR MANAGER, OPERATIONS

Based onsite at Rocket Lab Optical Systems headquarters in Tucson, AZ, the Senior Manager of Operations is responsible for leading facilities, machine shop operations, equipment maintenance, site infrastructure, and operational excellence initiatives across Rocket Lab Optical Systems locations. This role provides strategic and tactical leadership to ensure facilities, equipment, and support functions operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while enabling company growth and program execution.

The Senior Manager of Operations partners closely with executive leadership to develop operational strategies, manage budgets, improve organizational effectiveness, and support long-term business growth.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead Facilities, Machine Shop, Maintenance, and Site Infrastructure functions.
• Direct supervisor to the Machine Shop & Facilities teams.
• Drive a culture of operational excellence through continuous improvement, process optimization, cost reduction, and performance management initiatives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and organizational effectiveness.
• Manage facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, ESD program, upgrades, security, janitorial services, and environmental compliance.
• Lead facility renovations, infrastructure improvements, cleanroom expansions, and capital projects from planning through execution.
• Oversee machine shop operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality support of engineering and production activities.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and long-range capacity plans that support business growth.
• Establish and monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions as required.
• Manage maintenance programs and equipment lifecycle activities including procurement, installation, commissioning, upgrades, and decommissioning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards.
• Lead and develop operational staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Manage CMMS and facility ticketing systems to ensure timely resolution of facility and equipment issues.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to support successful program execution.
• Support additional operational initiatives and site activities as required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or a High School Diploma and 14 years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi-functional operational teams.
• Experience leading operations, facilities, manufacturing support, maintenance, or production organizations in aerospace, defense, electro-optical, or precision manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, capital projects, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• A bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering.
• Experience managing machine shops or manufacturing support operations.
• Experience with cleanroom facilities and environmental controls.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of facilities infrastructure, maintenance systems, and capital improvement projects.
• Experience supporting rapid growth in a manufacturing or high-technology environment.
• Familiarity with CMMS, ERP/MRP, and project management systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work in environments with electrical hazards, chemical exposure, temperature variations, and noise
• Wear required PPE as assigned, which may include safety glasses, gloves, respirators, and/or other protective clothing for extended periods
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Lift, carry, push and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

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 [email protected] 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.