Rocket Lab
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 to 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, climate‑change initiatives, 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.
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 role will provide subject‑matter expertise and architectural direction, delivering the implementation and support of a highly reliable IT infrastructure that empowers Rocket Lab’s engineering and support teams to rapidly develop next‑generation rockets and space systems. Responsibilities span IT infrastructure at Long Beach, New Zealand, Colorado, and New Mexico for components such as flat‑sat networks, test‑rig servers/networks, EKS clusters, on‑orbit operations, mission control room systems, and customer connectivity.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to develop and deliver world‑class Space System capabilities through deployment and management of highly reliable and scalable infrastructure and supporting software.
Architect, implement, optimize, and support AWS Cloud, Kubernetes, and Linux Space Systems environments.
Build and maintain 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 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.
Integrate continuous build and testing into a broader CI/CD framework.
Collaborate 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).
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (9 years total).
3+ of those years in a platform‑focused technology role.
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering AWS Enterprise Environments.
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering bare‑metal Linux Enterprise Environments (Debian, Ubuntu).
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering Enterprise Kubernetes clusters.
Proven experience 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Strong experience with Environment Monitoring, Ansible, Docker, GitLab, Helm, Grafana/Influx/Prometheus.
Additional Requirements
Close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands, operate a computer keyboard, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Physically able to commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Compensation Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 – $140,000 USD.
Benefits
Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company‑sponsored 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Discounted employee stock purchase program.
Subsidized EV charging stations.
Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on challenges.
Eligibility & Military/Heritage Considerations For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the Department of State and/or the Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks, ensuring eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR. Applicants from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO member states, or those with eligible dual citizenship, are required.
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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.
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 role will provide subject‑matter expertise and architectural direction, delivering the implementation and support of a highly reliable IT infrastructure that empowers Rocket Lab’s engineering and support teams to rapidly develop next‑generation rockets and space systems. Responsibilities span IT infrastructure at Long Beach, New Zealand, Colorado, and New Mexico for components such as flat‑sat networks, test‑rig servers/networks, EKS clusters, on‑orbit operations, mission control room systems, and customer connectivity.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to develop and deliver world‑class Space System capabilities through deployment and management of highly reliable and scalable infrastructure and supporting software.
Architect, implement, optimize, and support AWS Cloud, Kubernetes, and Linux Space Systems environments.
Build and maintain 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 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.
Integrate continuous build and testing into a broader CI/CD framework.
Collaborate 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).
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (9 years total).
3+ of those years in a platform‑focused technology role.
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering AWS Enterprise Environments.
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering bare‑metal Linux Enterprise Environments (Debian, Ubuntu).
Proven experience designing, deploying, and administering Enterprise Kubernetes clusters.
Proven experience 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Strong experience with Environment Monitoring, Ansible, Docker, GitLab, Helm, Grafana/Influx/Prometheus.
Additional Requirements
Close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands, operate a computer keyboard, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Physically able to commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Compensation Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 – $140,000 USD.
Benefits
Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company‑sponsored 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.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Discounted employee stock purchase program.
Subsidized EV charging stations.
Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on challenges.
Eligibility & Military/Heritage Considerations For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the Department of State and/or the Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks, ensuring eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR. Applicants from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO member states, or those with eligible dual citizenship, are required.
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