Senior IT Network Engineer II

About The Role

ABOUT 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 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 NETWORK ENGINEER II

Located onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility, the Senior IT Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of all networks and firewalls relating to Corporate IT, Launch, Space Systems and their related Operations. These systems include support of the infrastructure required at related sites across the USA so some travel may be required.  Related systems include flat sat networks, loggers/telemetry servers, on orbit operations, remote operators, mission control room infra, and customer connectivity.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Be a senior member of the team that delivers a global focus on all the network infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to deliver our world class Launch and Space System capabilities
• Provides subject matter expertise, advice, and guidance to deliver and support for our highly reliable and available IT network infrastructure that support the Space Systems team
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure network infrastructure
• Lead project scoping, planning, and deployment for network infrastructure in support of Annual Operating Plan goals
• Champion the IT Infrastructure Standards at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the infrastructure environments to ensure:
  • Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
  • Compliance with Cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures
  • Simplified and consistent environment management practices
  • Automated build and maintenance processes
  • Improvements to increase reliability of systems
  • System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
  • 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 the other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking Standards
• Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor's degree OR equivalent years of work experience (12+ years total experience)
• 5+ of those years of experience in a network focused technology role
• In-depth knowledge of Fortinet, Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration, and management
• Expert knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
• AWS and/or O365 & Azure enterprise environments
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions
• One or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code
• One or more of the following: Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HA\DR\BC, Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP
• Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, etc.

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
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including occasional overnight stays, in accordance with company travel policies and applicable laws

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, 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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.