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Reliability Program Manager Jobs in Brea, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Role As the Build Reliability Manager, you will lead the day-to-day execution of quality and reliability efforts across K2 Space's production programs. You will manage and grow a team of Build ...

The Role As the Build Reliability Manager, you will lead the day-to-day execution of quality and reliability efforts across K2 Space's production programs. You will manage and grow a team of Build ...

Staff Technical Program Manager, Battery

Tustin, CA · On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

... lifecycles, and field reliability metrics. * Strong command of disciplined problem-solving ... Qualifications: * 7+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering leadership ...

Showing results 41-60

Reliability Program Manager information

See Brea, CA salary details

$64.2K

$121.7K

$174.5K

How much do reliability program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for reliability program manager in Brea, CA is $121,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reliability program manager?

A Reliability Program Manager is a professional responsible for developing, implementing, and managing programs that ensure the dependability and optimal performance of systems, equipment, or processes within an organization. They analyze data, identify potential risks, and create strategies to minimize downtime and improve reliability. Their role often involves cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to industry standards and best practices. Reliability Program Managers are commonly found in sectors like manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and technology.

How does a reliability program manager typically collaborate with engineering and operations teams to drive improvements?

A Reliability Program Manager works closely with both engineering and operations teams to identify areas where equipment or process reliability can be enhanced. This involves facilitating cross-functional meetings, analyzing failure data, and aligning improvement initiatives with production goals. The manager often acts as a bridge, translating technical findings into actionable plans that operations can implement. Effective communication and the ability to prioritize projects based on impact and resource availability are key to successful collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reliability program manager, and why are they important?

A Reliability Program Manager typically needs a solid background in engineering, reliability analysis, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE). Familiarity with reliability modeling software, root cause analysis tools, and asset management systems is common in the role. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for effectively coordinating teams and driving reliability initiatives. These skills are essential to ensure equipment uptime, reduce operational risks, and optimize organizational performance.

What is the difference between Reliability Program Manager vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectReliability Program ManagerMaintenance Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and implementing reliability strategies to improve equipment uptimePerforming maintenance tasks to repair and maintain equipment
CertificationsReliability certifications (e.g., RCM, RCPE) often preferredMechanical or electrical engineering degrees, maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, cross-department collaborationFieldwork, plant or facility maintenance
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, energy, and industrial sectorsCommon in manufacturing, facilities management, and industrial plants

The Reliability Program Manager focuses on strategic reliability initiatives to prevent failures, while Maintenance Engineers handle hands-on repair and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential for operational efficiency but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Reliability Program Manager jobs in Brea, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Reliability Program Manager jobs in Brea, CA are:
What cities near Brea, CA are hiring for Reliability Program Manager jobs? Cities near Brea, CA with the most Reliability Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Reliability Program Manager job openings in Brea, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,700 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Senior Program Manager II - Flatellite

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$122K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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 to 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SENIOR TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER II - FLATELLITE

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you are the program authority for high-volume satellite production. You own rate, yield, unit cost, and strategic program decisions from prototype maturity through full-rate production. This is a high-ownership role: anyone can build one exquisite satellite — you'll build hundreds, on rate, on cost, on a learning curve that bends faster than the competition's — and you'll be the person the line runs on.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Command the Lifecycle: Build and lead the team that takes satellites at high volume from a "blank sheet" concept through qualification, full-rate production, and flight, and own the technical roadmap that grows the team's core capabilities.
  • Lead the Team of Teams: Run multiple active programs at once, make sound architectural calls with Chief Engineers, navigate the hardest trade-offs in design-for-manufacturing, takt time, line-of-balance, and rate-readiness versus reliability, and personally dive into the most line-threatening problems alongside the team.
  • Build the Bench: Grow a culture where strong people take smart, healthy risks and the best idea wins, no matter who it comes from, we back bold calls and treat an intelligent miss as the cost of moving fast and coach and develop the next generation of program and team leaders.
  • Forge the Supply Chain: Manage high-stakes subcontracts and suppliers as strategic partners essential to the mission, protecting schedule and margin.
  • Unblock Excellence: Synchronize cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and test and clear roadblocks quickly so the team keeps moving at speed and quality stays high.
  • Influence the Future: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned commercial constellation operators, and partner with BD & Strategy on proposals and technical narratives that define the next generation of constellation production.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, math, science, or other technical discipline
  • 8+ years of program management experience
  • A demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end to end and carrying it across the finish line under real pressure, we hire on what you've shipped, not years logged
  • Evidence you've moved real hardware and software from prototype toward high-rate production, with quantified yield, throughput, and cost gains
  • Understanding of the nuances of takt time, line-of-balance, design-for-manufacturing, and learning-curve economics
  • Experience identifying tooling, supply-chain, or yield risk and neutralizing it before it slows the line
  • U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Production Velocity: A proven playbook for transitioning low-volume prototypes into full-rate production without sacrificing mission reliability.
  • Domain Authority: Deep experience scaling satellite, aerospace, or analogous complex hardware production at volume.
  • Capture & Customer: A repeatable record of bending unit cost down at rate without sacrificing reliability.
  • Advanced Technical Credibility: A Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
  • Systems & Toolchain Fluency: You speak Systems Engineering, trade studies, interface control, requirement integrity and use Jira, Confluence, and ERP/MRP to keep program health visible at speed.
  • Depth of Reps: Multiple program cycles or 8+ years in aerospace/defense sharpen the edge, but we weight the hardest thing you've shipped over the count.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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)
$134,000—$201,000 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.


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