Senior Cybersecurity Engineer I -Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•$132,000 - $198,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for space missions, including national security and defense initiatives. Based in Long Beach, California, the Senior Cybersecurity Engineer I will design, implement, and maintain security infrastructure for Space Development Agency (SDA) programs. The role requires strong security principles, advanced technical skills, experience in software security engineering, proactive problem-solving, and a focus on protecting sensitive information. The engineer will secure program IT infrastructure, assess and address vulnerabilities, help ensure compliance with security standards, monitor systems and respond to incidents, and collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security into the software development lifecycle. The position also includes keeping current with emerging threats and technologies and mentoring junior security engineers and other IT staff. The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Total compensation is listed as $196,000–$233,000, including base pay and equity; base salary is $132,000–$198,000. Rocket Lab notes that level and pay are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
Active Secret security clearance required upon hire.
At least 5 years of experience in system security engineering or a related role.
8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification, such as Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards, such as NIST 800, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.
Proficiency with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, and endpoint protection.
Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and securing hybrid environments.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
Excellent understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and application security.
Experience with DevSecOps practices and tools.
Experience with incident response and digital forensics.
Familiarity with scripting and automation, such as Python or PowerShell.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and manage security solutions for program IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and applications.
Conduct security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards to support compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
Monitor security systems and respond to security incidents, providing analysis and remediation.
Collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle.
Track security trends, technologies, and threats, and recommend improvements to the organization’s security posture.
Mentor and guide junior security engineers and other IT staff.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.