ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Every Rocket Lab launch depends on networks that perform the first time, every time. From the HMIs and telemetry servers at the pad to live streams, mission control and customer connectivity, our Launch networks keep engineers, operators and customers connected through every stage of a mission.
Based in our Auckland Production Complex, the Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the implementation, administration and operation of all networks and firewalls supporting Launch and Launch Operations. This includes our Electron and Neutron launch systems and related sites, such as rocket launch sites and engine test facilities. You'll lead upgrades and new site commissioning, set the standards that keep our Launch infrastructure secure and reliable, and be the go-to network expert for the Launch team.
This is a senior, hands-on technical role. Reporting to the Team Lead – IT Engineer, you'll work alongside our other Network Engineers and a team of world-class IT, engineering and business professionals. It's a high-stakes environment where reliability matters, and it's a rare opportunity to build and run the networks behind real rocket launches.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Deploy and manage highly reliable, scalable network infrastructure and supporting software that enables Rocket Lab engineers and launch personnel to deliver world-class launch capabilities.
- Implement, administer and operate the networks and firewalls behind Launch Operations, including HMIs, live streams, loggers and telemetry servers, remote operators, mission control room infrastructure and customer connectivity.
- Provide subject matter expertise to deliver and support highly reliable, highly available network infrastructure for the Launch team.
- Lead upgrades and maintenance with a focus on continuous improvement, keeping our network infrastructure reliable and secure.
- Lead or assist with project scoping, planning and deployment for Launch network infrastructure and new site commissioning projects in support of Annual Operating Plan goals.
- Implement standards for deploying and managing Launch infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with Rocket Lab policies and cybersecurity policies, standards and procedures.
- Drive simplified, consistent environment management practices and automated build and maintenance processes.
- Improve system reliability and ensure High Availability and Disaster Recovery are built into our Launch environments.
- Make sure the team is providing effective support, with clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime and support levels.
- Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation of environments and support processes.
- Manage infrastructure costs efficiently.
- Work with the other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking standards.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 7+ years of experience in IT, including at least 4 years in a platform-focused technology role.
- Expert knowledge of Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration and management.
- Strong knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSec, SSL VPNs and firewalls.
- The ability to lead projects from scoping and planning through to deployment.
- Strong documentation skills and the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
- A proactive, "How can I help?" attitude and a willingness to own your work through to completion.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- A specialist qualification in your area of expertise, such as CISM, AWS, Azure or Microsoft certifications.
- Experience with AWS and/or O365 and Azure enterprise environments.
- Experience with one or more of Kubernetes, VMware, Linux or Windows.
- Experience with configuration management, automation and/or Infrastructure as Code.
- Experience with one or more of server and storage hardware, backups, or HA/DR/BC.
- Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS or DHCP.
- Familiarity with security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001 or NIST 800-171.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
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 [email protected] 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.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of experience in IT, including at least 4 years in a platform-focused technology role
- Expert knowledge of Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration, and management
- Strong knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSec, SSL VPNs, and firewalls
- Ability to lead projects from scoping and planning through deployment
- Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly
- Proactive attitude and willingness to own work through completion
- Specialist qualification such as CISM, AWS, Azure, or Microsoft certification
- Experience with AWS and/or Microsoft 365 and Azure enterprise environments
- Experience with Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, or Windows
- Experience with configuration management, automation, or Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with server and storage hardware, backups, or HA/DR/BC
- Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, certificate management, DNS, or DHCP
- Familiarity with ISO 27001 or NIST 800-171 security frameworks
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
.png)
