Senior Master Scheduler
About The Position
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 & Neutron rockets, 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
- access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program
- subsidized EV charging stations
- onsite gym
- food and drinks, and other discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
