Senior IT Systems Engineer I
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jan 20, 2026. Rocket Lab scores B on the Alion truth index.
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
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 the implementation, administration, and operation of the different platform and operating system environments that are in use at Rocket Lab. These platforms and operating systems include VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, and Windows Server and Client.
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
- 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
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Specialist qualification in area of expertise: 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.
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
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 [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.