Senior System Administrator I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior System Administrator I to support and manage critical classified IT infrastructure in a secure environment at its Chantilly, Virginia facility. The role deploys and maintains essential computer systems while ensuring compliance with strict security requirements, working closely with security personnel and engineering teams. The position supports infrastructure for launch systems, spacecraft development, and national security programs and requires attention to detail, urgency, and operational excellence. The position is onsite. It may involve travel up to 20%, including occasional overnight travel, and extended hours and weekends as mission requirements dictate. The role may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen with a current Tier 5 investigation (formerly SSBI).
- Must maintain an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsors.
- Five or more years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or equivalent years of work experience (nine or more years of total work experience).
- Must possess a DoD 8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification, such as Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent.
- Strong working knowledge of NIST 800-53 and STIGs.
- Hands-on experience with Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu/RHEL), VMware vSphere, Docker, FortiGate/FortiOS, Cisco IOS, ACAS, Splunk, and Trellix.
- Willingness to travel up to 20%, including occasional overnight travel, and work extended hours and weekends as mission requirements dictate.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with NIST RMF and ISO 27001 security frameworks.
- Master's degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
- Specialist or advanced certifications in area of expertise, such as RHCSA, CCNP, GCIH, or CISSP.
- Experience with scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell, Bash, Python, and Ansible.
- Experience as an ISSO, ISSE, or ISSM.
- Strong understanding of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN (802.1Q), and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
Responsibilities
- Deploy and administer classified IT infrastructure, including endpoints, servers, and network devices.
- Monitor systems, respond to incidents, and proactively optimize performance and security posture.
- Implement and maintain hardened system configurations using STIGs and NIST 800-53 controls.
- Collaborate with ISSO/ISSM/ISSE and engineering teams to architect secure solutions and gather system requirements.
- Develop and maintain documentation for asset management, procedures, system architecture, and incident response.
Benefits
- Company stock or cash incentives may be available.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with the ability to purchase discounted stock.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan options.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
