General Manager

Introduction

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems, building the technologies that enable some of the world's most ambitious space missions. As one of the few companies offering true end-to-end space capabilities, Rocket Lab designs, manufactures, launches, and operates everything from launch vehicles and complete spacecraft to the sophisticated systems that guide, power, and control them in orbit. Serving commercial, civil, and defence customers around the world, the company has established a unique position within the rapidly evolving space industry through its vertically integrated approach, combining engineering excellence, manufacturing, and mission operations under one roof.

A major driver of this success is Rocket Lab's Space Systems division, which develops the spacecraft, subsystems, and mission-critical technologies that serve a broad range of commercial, scientific, and national security missions. Within this division, the ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control Systems) business unit designs and manufactures star trackers and reaction wheels that enable spacecraft to accurately determine and control their orientation in space. Based in Toronto, the business traces its roots to Sinclair Interplanetary, a highly respected Canadian aerospace company acquired by Rocket Lab in 2020. Since joining the organization, the business has grown significantly while preserving the technical excellence, agility, and entrepreneurial mindset that established its reputation.

Today, the Toronto-based group is a standout performer within the global portfolio, consistently exceeding ambitious commercial targets while supplying technologies used by customers across the global space sector. As the organization enters its next phase of expansion, Rocket Lab is seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead the team, building on an exceptional foundation while identifying new opportunities to strengthen commercial performance, enhance operational execution, and shape its future within one of the world's most respected space companies.

Summary of the Role

This position will lead one of Rocket Lab's highest-performing business units, balancing commercial growth, engineering excellence, and operational execution while shaping the next chapter of a high-performing organization with significant autonomy and global visibility.

Reporting to the Vice President, Space Systems, the General Manager will assume full responsibility for Rocket Lab's Toronto-based ADCS Components group. Leading a multidisciplinary team across engineering, production, product management, business development, and financial performance, you will provide overall direction and accountability, ensuring it continues to deliver on customer commitments while contributing to Rocket Lab's global strategic objectives. You will also work closely with corporate partners across supply chain, finance, people operations, and other shared services to ensure the Toronto team remains well integrated within the wider enterprise while maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that have been central to its success.

As the senior leader for the Toronto team, you will represent the business both internally and externally, helping shape investment priorities, evaluate new market opportunities, and strengthen relationships with customers and industry partners. Beyond the day-to-day management of the function, you will oversee the product roadmap, guide capital investment decisions, allocate resources across the organization, and help determine where time, talent, and investment should be focused to create the greatest long-term value.

Is This for You?

An accomplished executive, you have led multidisciplinary teams within sophisticated technology ecosystems. Whether your background comes from aerospace, defence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, or another high-reliability sector, you understand how to lead within environments where technical complexity, product innovation, and operational excellence must coexist. More important than direct industry experience is your ability to quickly understand complex technologies and translate them into sound decisions.

Broad business accountability has been a defining part of your career. You have overseen financial performance, product direction, commercial activities, and operational execution, while making thoughtful decisions around investment priorities and resource allocation. Comfortable operating with significant autonomy, you understand how to balance immediate needs with longer-term objectives.

As a leader, you create environments built on clarity, accountability, and trust. You empower capable people, encourage constructive dialogue, and recognize that the strongest ideas are not determined by title. Equally important, you understand when difficult decisions are required to position a business for its future.

Your approach to leadership is characterized by intellectual curiosity, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. You are highly equipped to work in environments where priorities evolve quickly, information is often incomplete, and decisions carry meaningful commercial and operational implications. Rather than seeking certainty, you ask thoughtful questions, evaluate competing perspectives, and move forward with confidence.

This posting is for a permanent full-time position with Rocket Lab.

We use AI-powered tools (such as Fathom, Gemini, and Monica) to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process, such as interview note-taking, transcription, and summarization. These tools are used to improve efficiency and consistency. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by a qualified recruiting professional, and all hiring decisions are made by humans. We do not use AI for selection purposes but do utilize AI powered search functions (Microsoft/Google) to help identify candidates on behalf of our clients.