{"id":639531,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance","title":"Senior Network Software Engineer I -Secret Clearance","company":{"id":684473,"name":"Rocket Lab","domain":"rocketlab.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/rocketlab-2","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":81,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.778,"repost_share":0.012,"time_to_fill_p50_days":39,"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Networking","role_family":"Networking","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Long Beach, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":152000,"max":233000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":233000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Jira","optional":false},{"name":"Agile","optional":true},{"name":"Docker","optional":true},{"name":"Kubernetes","optional":true},{"name":"Microsoft Project","optional":true},{"name":"Outlook","optional":true},{"name":"Smartsheet","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-27T22:33:01Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-14","last_verified_at":"2026-10-18T06:31:40Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":51,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":51},"description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\nRocket 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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS\nAt Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.\nOur Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. \nSENIOR NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - SECRET CLEARANCE\nRocket Lab is looking for a driven Senior Network Software Engineer I to be based out of our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab’s flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Flight Software. \nWHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:\nManage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft. \nManage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system\nInterface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones\nDesign and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking\nDefine KPIs for contractors and internal development teams\nSet the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program\nDevelop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership\nPlan major integration points and testing between teams\nDrive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements\nDevelop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements \nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline\n5+ years of relevant work industry experience\nComprehensive knowledge of network software.\nKnowledge of the software development lifecycle\nExperience using Jira for software development management\nExperience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management\nActive Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain TS/SCI\nU.S citizenship required due to program requirements\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: \nMaster’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline\nActive TS/SCI security clearance\nAn ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.\nExperience with SDA NEBULA architectures\nExperience with Cyber Security controls\nExperience with encryption\nExperience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies\nProject management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.\nAbility to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach\nProficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. \nExperience with Docker\nExperience with Kubernetes\nExperience with DevSecOps\nAbility to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines\nExcellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships\nThis 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.\nAnticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.\nJoin one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.\nOur comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.\nAdditional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.\nLevel 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.\nTotal Compensation (base and equity)\n$152,000—$233,000 USD\nBase Salary\n$130,000—$198,000 USD\nWHAT TO EXPECT \nWe’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. \nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\nTo 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.\nRocket 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.\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at . 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.\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\nFor 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. \nUnder 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":9280,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Gym membership","Life insurance","Parental leave","Retirement plans"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Launch Services","Satellite Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T20:00:17Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"H-1B filings in 12 months: 9 · green card filings: 1","filings_12m":9,"filings_prev_12m":4,"green_card_filings_12m":1,"median_offered_wage_usd":177500,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-15T11:24:14+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)","US Department of Labor: PERM disclosure data (green cards)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":27,"band":"fade","label":"Fading","p_open":1,"p_active":0.483,"p_room":0.55,"age_days":50,"expected_fill_days":39,"reasons":["conf:1","stale_co","velocity","win:tail","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":233000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-18T07:11:19Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":10749,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-19T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684473},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684473"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Frocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Frocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Frocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/rocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Frocketlab-senior-network-software-engineer-i-secret-clearance"}]}