Senior Cybersecurity Engineer II -Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer II to design, implement, and maintain security infrastructure for its Space Development Agency (SDA) programs. Based in Long Beach, California, this role protects program IT infrastructure—including networks, servers, and applications—and calls for deep security knowledge, advanced technical skills, and a proactive approach to addressing emerging threats. The role focuses on software security engineering and protecting sensitive information. The engineer will assess and improve security controls, respond to incidents, develop and enforce security standards, and work with IT and development teams to embed security practices into software development. The position also includes mentoring junior security engineers and other IT staff. An active Secret clearance is required upon hire, as are U.S. citizenship and at least eight years of relevant experience. The posting describes a workplace that can involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers company stock and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
Active Secret security clearance required upon hire.
At least 8 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 across AWS, Azure, or GCP, and with 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, with 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 risks.
Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards to support compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
Monitor security systems and respond to 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.