ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
SENIOR CONTRACT MANAGER
Based at either Rocket Lab Optical Systems Tucson, AZ, or Chantilly, VA, location. The Contracts Manager will be responsible for contract administration and compliance across the Rocket Lab Optical Systems business in support of multiple types of U.S. Government and commercial contracts to ensure we meet our contractual obligations and performance milestones. This position will require high levels of productivity, resourcefulness, and maintaining focus and accuracy in a fast-paced open space environment.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
- Negotiate and administer government contracts, commercial contracts, subcontracts non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements and IP licenses.
- Review, interpret and provide advice regarding contract provisions and agreement types.
- Analyze model contract terms and conditions for implications on the program and corporation at large; disseminates this information to internal stakeholders and leadership.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for all contractual compliance matters, including: changes, disputes, or requests for equitable adjustment during contract performance.
- Assist the program and business development teams in proposal review and preparation in response to Government and commercial solicitations, as well as RFIs.
- Create and maintains contract and business files.
- Establish and maintain excellent relationships with Government and other customer counterparts, including internal customers and stakeholders.
- Assist Accounts Receivable team in generating invoices and payments with Government and commercial customers.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of contract administration and/or management experience in the Space and/or Aerospace & Defense industries.
- Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types, OTAs, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
- Extensive knowledge and experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions.
- Experience managing DoD prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD programs.
- Request for proposal (RFP) analysis and proposal preparation experience.
- Have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Proficiency in out-of-the -box contracts (OTAs) a plus.
- Experience with Export Control, ITAR and EAR.
- Experience with financial, property and governmental agency audits.
- Experience with CLM systems like DocuSign.
- Ability leverage critical thinking skills to be able to timely solve problems independently and creatively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate and effectively communicate contract compliance information to various levels of management and program teams.
- Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail oriented, team player attitude, high work ethic and reliability.
- Ability to effectively communicate with engineers, scientists, attorneys, and industry executives.
- Ability to work independently as a self-starter, influence stakeholders through effective communication, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
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.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 8+ years of contract administration and/or management experience in the space and/or aerospace and defense industries
- Extensive knowledge of government contracts and contract types, OTAs, FAR, and DFARS
- Extensive experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions
- Experience managing DoD prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD programs
- RFP analysis and proposal preparation experience
- Have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Proficiency with out-of-the-box contracts and OTAs
- Experience with Export Control, ITAR, and EAR
- Experience with financial, property, and governmental agency audits
- Experience with CLM systems such as DocuSign
- Strong critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, scientists, attorneys, and industry executives
- Ability to influence stakeholders, manage multiple priorities, and work under pressure
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
