Senior Project Manager - IT

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a full-service space company that provides responsive launch solutions, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related capabilities, all aimed at expanding access to space. Its rockets and satellites support a wide range of missions worldwide, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused initiatives, national security work, and technology demonstrations.

The company’s Electron rocket is now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. In its Space Systems business, the company designs and manufactures satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware for NASA’s Moon and Mars missions and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rocket Lab emphasizes action over talk and focuses on building and launching real-world space solutions.

About the IT Team

Rocket Lab’s IT organization supports the company’s global teams by managing access to information and enabling day-to-day operations across systems, networks, and devices. The team works in a fast-moving environment and partners across the business, from finance to launch operations, to support proprietary systems and users worldwide.

Role Overview

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced IT Project Manager in Auckland, New Zealand to lead a major payroll system implementation across the region. This 12-month fixed-term contract places you at the center of a high-impact transformation program, with responsibility for driving end-to-end delivery of the payroll initiative as well as other enterprise projects.

In this role, you will coordinate cross-functional teams, align stakeholders, and turn project plans into delivered outcomes while keeping scope, schedule, and budget under control.

Key Responsibilities

• Roll out the new ADP payroll solution and help improve process efficiency and payroll accuracy.
• Create project charters, delivery schedules, resource plans, and risk reviews.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines, scope, and budget limits.
• Guide cross-functional teams and keep work aligned to project objectives.
• Track progress, spot risks early, and take corrective action when needed.
• Coordinate internal contributors and oversee third-party vendors.
• Keep stakeholders informed and maintain executive-level communication.
• Control scope changes through verification steps and formal change management.
• Use project management tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, Confluence, and JIRA to monitor delivery.
• Provide regular status reporting and escalate issues appropriately.
• Maintain RAID logs and actively manage project risks.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of project management experience, including work on large enterprise system implementations.
• Direct experience delivering ADP or payroll implementation projects or rollouts.
• Strong leadership ability along with experience in organizational change management.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, with 12+ years of related professional experience accepted in lieu of a degree.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills for managing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Comfort handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• PMP or a comparable project management certification is preferred.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing environments is advantageous.
• Background in enterprise project or program management is beneficial.
• Experience using Waterfall, Agile, and hybrid delivery methods is desirable.
• Ability to sit at a desk for long periods and work with computers, keyboards, and office equipment.
• Ability to review documents and computer screens and distinguish details across varying distances.
• Ability to move between buildings, attend meetings, and access different work areas.
• Occasional exposure to production environments with moderate noise, dust, and fumes.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab operates with a high-performance mindset built on teamwork, resilience, innovation, and a willingness to take on difficult challenges. The environment is fast paced, deadline driven, and focused on delivery. Team members support one another, stay grounded, and work collaboratively to achieve ambitious outcomes.

Important Information for Candidates Seeking to Work in US Offices

Because of U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylum holder, or otherwise eligible for the required U.S. government authorizations. Additional details are available through ITAR-related resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics. This commitment applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, leave, and training.

Accommodation Support

Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact the designated support resource. This assistance is intended only for job seekers with disabilities whose condition prevents them from applying or interviewing normally, and replies may take up to two business days.

Important Information for Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices

For security reasons, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because the role requires access to equipment and data regulated under U.S. ITAR rules. You may not be eligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you have an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.