Senior System Administrator I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior System Administrator I to support and manage critical classified IT infrastructure at its Chantilly, Virginia facility. The role is onsite and involves deploying and maintaining essential computer systems in a secure environment while ensuring compliance with strict security requirements. The administrator will work closely with security personnel and engineering teams to sustain infrastructure supporting launch systems, spacecraft development, and national security programs. The role requires attention to detail, urgency, and a commitment to operational excellence. The position requires a current Tier 5 investigation and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsors. The employee must be willing to travel up to 20%, including occasional overnight travel, and work extended hours and weekends as mission requirements dictate. The role may involve 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.
- Must have a current Tier 5 investigation (formerly SSBI) and maintain an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsor(s).
- At least 5 years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or equivalent years of work experience (9+ 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 requires.
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 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
