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.
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 NETWORK ENGINEER II
Located onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility, the Senior IT Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of all networks and firewalls relating to Corporate IT, Launch, Space Systems and their related Operations. These systems include support of the infrastructure required at related sites across the USA so some travel may be required. Related systems include flat sat networks, loggers/telemetry servers, on orbit operations, remote operators, mission control room infra, and customer connectivity.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Be a senior member of the team that delivers a global focus on all the network infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to deliver our world class Launch and Space System capabilities
- Provides subject matter expertise, advice, and guidance to deliver and support for our highly reliable and available IT network infrastructure that support the Space Systems team
- Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure network infrastructure
- Lead project scoping, planning, and deployment for network infrastructure in support of Annual Operating Plan goals
- Champion the IT Infrastructure Standards at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the 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 the other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking Standards
- Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor's degree OR equivalent years of work experience (12+ years total experience)
- 5+ of those years of experience in a network focused technology role
- In-depth knowledge of Fortinet, Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration, and management
- Expert knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
- AWS and/or O365 & Azure enterprise environments
- Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions
- One or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code
- One or more of the following: Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HA\DR\BC, Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP
- Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, etc.
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.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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.
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
- 8+ years of IT experience and a bachelor's degree, or 12+ years of total work experience
- 5+ years of experience in a network-focused technology role
- In-depth knowledge of Fortinet, Juniper, or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration, and management
- Expert knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPsec, SSL VPNs, and firewalls
- Specialist qualification such as CISM, AWS, Azure, or Microsoft certification
- Experience with AWS and/or Microsoft 365 and Azure enterprise environments
- Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
- Experience with Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, configuration management, automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with server and storage hardware, backups, high availability, disaster recovery, business continuity, Active Directory, Group Policy, PKI, DNS, or DHCP
- Knowledge of security frameworks or technologies such as ISO 27001 or NIST 800-171
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
