Senior Master Scheduler
$124k - $155k USD
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 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.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron & Neutronrockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.
SENIOR MASTER SCHEDULER
Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Master Scheduler will be the architectural lead for program planning across complex space programs. You are not just managing a schedule; you are optimizing a high-velocity value chain. You will lead the development of strategic, rate-based schedules, manage the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), forecast long-term capacity, and resolve complex bottlenecks that threaten mission-critical milestones. This role requires a unique blend of tactical shop-floor execution and high-level program strategy. You will partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Leadership to ensure that our program and production signals are accurate, our resource allocation is optimized, and our delivery targets are met with surgical precision.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS): Build, maintain, and baseline the Master Schedule for complex space programs. Ensure vertical and horizontal integration across all program tiers, tracking critical paths and identifying schedule margin erosion.
- Strategic Master Scheduling: Lead the development and maintenance of rate-based master schedules for multiple space programs, quality requirements, and hardware priorities.
- Capacity & Constraint Management: Conduct in-depth capacity analyses to mitigate long-term risks. Orchestrate hardware prioritization across shared resources and negotiate de-confliction strategies between departments.
- Data-Driven Optimization: Leverage ERP/MRP systems and advanced data tools (SQL, PowerBI, Python) to identify part shortages, automate manual scheduling processes, and build real-time visibility dashboards.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead weekly production plan reviews and Program Management Reviews. Drive "extreme ownership" of the schedule, from raw material arrival to finished product delivery.
- Root Cause Analysis: Spearhead efforts to uncover the root causes of schedule slips or production stagnation. Implement permanent, scalable solutions using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles.
- Tactical Execution: Prepare daily work schedules for production teams, providing clear priorities to coordinators and supervisors while managing "push/pull" signals to reduce lead times.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8+ years of experience in program/production scheduling, master planning, or operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment (Aerospace, Defense, or Automotive preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (HS Diploma & 12+ years of experience)
- Proven experience managing an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for integrated space programs, including critical path analysis and schedule risk assessment.
- Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Infor LN) and project management tools (MS Project, Jira).
- Demonstrated ability to read technical documentation and understand complex hardware assembly sequences.
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Aerospace, Defense, or Automotive manufacturing experience preferred
- Expertise in writing SQL queries and building data visualizations (Power BI) to track health metrics and schedule performance (SPI/CPI).
- Experience using VBA, Python, or other scripting languages to automate scheduling workflows and data entry.
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or equivalent certification with a proven track record of increasing yield or reducing cost.
- Experience presenting data-driven recommendations to senior leadership to influence program roadmaps.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
- Ability to travel up to 25% to lead vendor oversight, support critical launch milestones, or engage with customers on-site.
- Operational Flexibility: Space missions don't keep 9-to-5 hours. You are willing to lean in during critical delivery windows, launch counts, or test campaigns to ensure the mission crosses the finish line.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$124,000—$155,000 USD
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.