Senior Linux Engineer / Kubernetes Engineer

Reposted 19 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Auckland
In-Office
Senior level
Aerospace
The Role
As a Senior Linux Engineer, you will design, maintain, and optimize Linux systems and Kubernetes clusters, mentor team members, and manage IT projects.
Summary Generated by Built In

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. 

At Rocket Lab, we don’t just build rockets—we build the technology that fuels innovation, launches satellites, and pushes the boundaries of space. Now, we're looking for a Senior Linux Engineer to help us power the systems that power the future.

If you're passionate about Linux systems, thrive in complex environments, and love solving problems that others find impossible, this is your mission.

SENIOR LINUX / KUBERNETES ENGINEER  

As our Senior Linux Engineer/ Kubernetes Engineer, you’ll take charge of designing, deploying, maintaining, and improving the infrastructure that supports Rocket Lab’s operations—from production to launch. You’ll work hands-on with systems and networks, lead critical IT projects, and play a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

You’ll also mentor junior team members, contribute to documentation and security compliance, and help shape the IT environment that supports our rapid growth and innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

  • Maintain and optimise our Linux systems, virtualised environments, and cloud infrastructure.
  • Lead system health audits, hardware/software deployments, and patch management.
  • Support network infrastructure (switches, routers, APs) and ensure robust connectivity.
  • Drive and deliver cross-functional IT projects from planning to execution.
  • Mentor the team, improve documentation, and ensure high standards of security & compliance (NIST 800-171, PSR).
  • Provide launch operations support and be a key part of the action when we send missions to space.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 7+ years in technical roles with a strong focus on Linux (Ubuntu, Debian).
  • Mastery of scripting, automation, and infrastructure as code (e.g., Git, Ansible, Terraform)
  • Proven experience in designing, deploying, and administering production-grade Kubernetes clusters
  • Deep experience with virtualization & cloud platforms: VMware, Docker, Azure, AWS.
  • Knowledge of cloud-native stacks like LAMP, NGINX, Squid, and container orchestration tools.
  • Familiarity with security frameworks: NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, and best practices in risk mitigation.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
  • A hands-on, get-it-done mindset with a passion for innovation.

If you're ready to lead the charge in Linux engineering and support world-class space missions - Apply now. 


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.


Top Skills

Ansible
AWS
Azure
Debian
Docker
Git
Kubernetes
Lamp
Linux
Nginx
Squid
Terraform
Ubuntu
VMware
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The Company
HQ: Long Beach, CA
679 Employees
Year Founded: 2006

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.

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