New

Travel Program Manager

Rocket Lab USA
$90,000-$118,000 USD
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Long Beach
Nov 06, 2025
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 rockethas 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. TRAVEL PROGRAM MANAGER Based on-site at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the travel program manager is responsible for managing travel operations, providing employee support, ensuring compliance with travel policies, and optimizing and maintaining supplier relationships. You will support the VP of Finance in driving strategy and execution of a high-touch, employee and production focused global travel program. The ideal candidate can balance the execution of the nuanced service with the need for efficiency; a self-starter with a service-minded approach who can manage and foster relationships across the businesses. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Policy Compliance & Travel Program Governance: Plan, develop, and implement a corporate travel policy. Promote adherence to online booking, advance ticket purchasing, lowest logical airfare, and preferred suppliers. Review program compliance and address concerns. Supplier & Program Management: Develop strong relationships with airlines, car rentals, and hotels to ensure best-in-class service. Source and negotiate hotel accommodation for small-to-medium meetings and high-profile events. Conduct hotel and venue site inspections and provide recommendations. Participate in established cadence of reviews with Navan, hotel, car rental, bank services, and other travel vendors to ensure desired services are available, as well as to secure best rates and services for the Rocket Lab. Monitor travel partners to ensure travel processes and negotiations are delivered as negotiated and that travel partners are meeting the established SLAs, promoting process enhancements, and advancements as necessary. Work closely with travel partners to develop additional savings opportunities, presenting cost savings. Travel Technology & Workflow Oversight: Troubleshoot travel portal and travel approval workflows, including out-of-office delegations. Open support tickets and escalate travel technology and workflow issues. Reporting & Data Analytics: Present insights to leadership to enhance corporate travel efficiency. Analyze travel data for trends, areas for cost savings and opportunities for program improvement. Employee Support & Issue Resolution: Support site-specific travel needs and optimize travel operations. Provide training and support on travel portal and corporate travel policies. Work with our travel partner on escalations YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 5+ years of experience in a global, complex business environment and a bachelor's degree. Proven ability to lead high performing cross-functional teams. Experience in corporate travel policy development, supplier contract negotiations, and working with travel management companies or in-house travel departments. Deep understanding of the global travel industry's business ecosystem, operations, technology, and service delivery platforms. Strong analytical, problem-solving, business process analysis, budgeting, financial modeling, and forecasting skills. Experience in a dynamic work environment, supporting both business travel, as well as production and event travel needs. Experience with Concur and Navan tools on a global platform. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite Travel as needed. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to interact with all levels, including senior executives. Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently. 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 work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines. 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) $90,000 — $118,000 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 hereITAR Regulations.