Senior IT Engineer

About The Role
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.
IT
Rocket Lab’s IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.
SENIOR IT ENGINEER – SPACE SYSTEMS (NETWORK)
Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior IT Engineer will lead and be responsible for the design and implementation of network infrastructure and applications at Rocket Lab. You will be a senior member of the team that delivers a global focus on all the infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Systems personnel to deliver our world class IT Infrastructure capabilities. You will deliver subject matter expertise, advise, and guidance on our infrastructure that support the Rocket Lab teams. You will lead upgrades, maintenance, project scoping, planning, and deployment for network infrastructure, all with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
What You’ll Get To Do
Champion the IT Network Infrastructure Standards function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the Space Systems infrastructure environments to ensure:

Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
Compliance with cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures
Simplified and consistent environment management practices
Automated build and maintenance processes
Improvements to increase reliability of systems
System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
That the team is providing effective support
Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc.
Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
Efficient cost control
Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals.
You’ll Bring These Qualifications

5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (9+ years of work experience)
2+ of those years of experience in a network focused technology role
Hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.)
Understanding of networking concepts including network security, network architecture design, technical standards and deliverables, troubleshooting tools
In-depth knowledge of at least one of:
Fortinet Firewalls and Juniper/Cisco Switches
Enterprise Network architecture or administration
SD-WAN, Multicasting, Routing (BGP) and Switching (VLAN, EVPN-VXLAN) overlays
Network Monitoring tools and Packet capture practices
Linux/Windows system administration These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CCNA, CCNP
Experience with mass deployment of devices or IaC
Experience with Puppet, Ansible, or other automation frameworks
Experience with Python, Shell, Bash, and/or other languages
Experience with Promethius, Grafana, InfluxDB
Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions
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
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)
$115,000—$135,000 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.