Senior IT Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

15d • $115,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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 ENGINEER – SPACE SYSTEMS (CLOUD) Located onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior IT Engineer will be responsible for the implementation, administration, and operation of all IT systems relating to Space Systems and their related operations. This person will provide subject matter expertise and architectural direction, delivering the implementation and support of a highly reliable IT infrastructure. This environment empowers Rocket Lab’s engineering and support teams to rapidly develop next-generation rockets and space systems. Their responsibilities include supporting IT infrastructure at Long Beach, New Zealand, Colorado, and New Mexico for components such as flatsat networks, test rig servers/networks, EKS clusters, on-orbit operations, mission control room systems, and customer connectivity.

Requirements

• 5+ year of experience in IT and a bachelor's degree OR equivalent years of experience (9 years of total experience)
• 3+ of those years of experience in a platform focused technology role.
• Proven experience in designing, deploying, and administering AWS Enterprise Environments
• Proven experience in designing, deploying, and administering bare metal Linux Enterprise Environments with a strong focus on Debian and Ubuntu
• Proven experience in designing, deploying, and administering Enterprise Kubernetes clusters
• Proven experience in designing, deploying, and administering production-grade Networks
• Mastery of scripting, automation, and infrastructure as code (e.g., Git, Ansible, Terraform)
• Deep 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.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong experience with Environment Monitoring
• Strong experience with Ansible
• Strong experience with Docker
• Strong experience with GitLab
• Strong experience with Helm
• Strong experience with Grafana/Influx/Prometheus

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to develop and deliver our world class Space System capabilities, via the deployment and management of highly reliable and scalable infrastructure and supporting software.
• Architect, implement, optimize, and support our AWS Cloud, Kubernetes, and Linux Space Systems environments
• Architect, implement, optimize, and support Space Systems network infrastructure (switches, routers, APs) and ensure robust connectivity
• Drive and deliver cross-functional IT projects from planning to execution.
• Carry out upgrades and maintenance with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
• Assist with the deployment of Space System infrastructure and new customer satellite commissioning projects.
• Provide Space Systems Operations support and be a key part of the action when we send missions to space.
• Work with the ground software team to design, develop and improve our DevOps engineering
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate continuous build and testing into a broader CI/CT/CD framework
• Work closely with software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand deployment requirements and functional needs
• Mentor the team, improve documentation, and ensure high standards of security & compliance (NIST 800-171, PSR).

Benefits

• Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level