Senior IT Engineer I @ Rocket Lab USA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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 I – Platform

Located onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior IT Engineer I will be responsible for supporting implementations, administration, and operation infrastructure as code environments that are in use at Rocket Lab.

These platforms and operating systems include:

Kubernetes
Linux
VMware

Reports to the Team Lead - IT Infrastructure Operations

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Enable Rocket Lab Engineers globally, by leveraging the latest platform technology, to efficiently design, manufacture, and manage the next generation of rockets and space systems
Assist our fantastic team by providing subject matter support for our different platforms, operating system environments, and supporting infrastructure.
Carry out upgrades and maintenance with a focus on automated build, testing and deployment of infrastructure as code. Implement and maintain applications using the Kubernetes platform and tools.
Assist with and/or manage project planning and deployment for platform initiatives.
Support the Configuration Management function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the different platform environments to ensure:
- Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
- Compliance with Cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures.
- Improvements to increase reliability of systems
- System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
- Simplified and consistent environment management practices
- Complete and compliant system baselines and hardening guides for each OS and environment
- Automated build, deployment, and maintenance processes for each OS and environment
- That the team is providing effective support
- Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc
- Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
- Efficient cost control
Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

5+ Years of experience and a Bachelors degree or equivalent years of experience (9+ years of total work experience).
Experience in a platform focused technology role such as micro services, deployment and maintenance.
Knowledge of the following: Kubernetes, Linux, Configuration Management/ Infrastructure as Code.
Knowledge of one or more of the following: Scripting, Terraform, Ansible, Chef, Puppet
Knowledge of source control tools such as Gitlab, Git and Github

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.
Knowledge of observability platforms such as Prometheus, Grafana.
Knowledge of logging platforms such as Elastic Stack (ELK), Grafana Loki.
Experience with management platforms such as Rancher.
Security frameworks and technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls.
Network (LAN\WAN) and security product support experience.
Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. 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, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,000—$140,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. 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 our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Senior IT Engineer I

Platform

Rocket Lab USA

Compensation Overview

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth