Senior IT Systems Engineer

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.

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.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility, the Senior IT Systems Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of the different platform and operating system environments that are in use at Rocket Lab.

These environments include:

• VMware
• Windows Server and Client

This role reports to the Team Lead - IT Infrastructure Manager.

• Enable Rocket Lab Engineers globally, by leveraging the last platform technology, to efficiently design, manufacture, and manage the next generation of rockets and space systems.
• Provides subject matter expertise, advise, and guidance to deliver and support IT systems through efficient management of the platform infrastructure and the delivery of projects.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
• Lead project planning and deployment for platform infrastructure projects, which include VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, and Windows, in support of Annual Operating Plan goals.
• Champion the configuration management function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of standards for the deployment and management of the different platforms via automation deployments utilizing tools like Ansible 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
  • Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc
  • Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
  • Efficient cost control

• 5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelors degree or equivalent years of working experience (9+ Years of total experience).
• 3+ of those years of experience in a platform focused technology role.
• In depth experience working with Ansible.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following:
  Kubernetes, VMware, Linux Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.

• Scripting, automation, or Infrastructure as Code experience.
• Security frameworks and technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
• Network (LAN AN) and security product support experience.
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and K8s.

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.

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…