
Senior IT Systems Engineer I
Compensation
Ready to Apply?
This will take you to Rocket Lab's application page
Job Description
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 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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior IT Engineer will join a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. This role will be responsible for supporting implementations, administration, and operation infrastructure as code environments that are in use at Rocket Lab.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Provides subject matter expertise, advice, and guidance to deliver and support IT systems through efficient management of the cloud infrastructure and the delivery of projects.
- Carry out upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
- Lead project planning and deployment for infrastructure projects.
- Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals.
- Create and sustain automated processes for software delivery/packaging, operating system deployment, and configuration management to distribute throughout enterprise SCCM hierarchy
- Manage Desktop Patching through WSUS
- Maintain the efficient and effective operation of upgrades or migrations by implementing changes as required
- Troubleshoot user software or hardware problems in line with project tasks policies
- Perform site-specific risk mitigation activities as part of change/configuration management to ensure smooth implementation of, and transition to, new system software delivery/packaging and configuration management automation capabilities
- Create, test, and distribute common operating systems, application packages, scripts, batch programs to provide software delivery/packaging and configuration management of the computing platform environment.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with a high school diploma or GED (9+ total years).
- In-depth knowledge of:
- Windows Server Administration: Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP.
- AWS and/or O365 & Azure enterprise environments.
- One or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.
- One or more of the following: Server and Storage hardware, Backups, NetApp, Pure Storage, hyperconverged infrastructure, VOIP phone systems
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
- Juniper or Cisco network switching IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
- One or more of the following: Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, CMMC, CUI
- Fortinet firewall setup, configuration, and management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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, 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.
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.
Optimize Your Resume for This Job
Get a match score and see exactly which keywords you're missing
Job Details
- Category
- Aerospace Engineering
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Long Beach, CA
- Posted
- Jan 20, 2026, 03:06 PM
- Listed
- Jan 20, 2026, 03:06 PM
- Compensation
- $115,000 - $140,000 per year
About Rocket Lab
Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.
More Roles at Rocket Lab
Similar Aerospace Engineering Roles
Found this role interesting?