Senior Manager, Operations

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, an…