Senior IT Network Engineer II

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. Our rockets and satellites support scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change and national security.

Location:

Long Beach, CA (onsite). Responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of all networks and firewalls for Corporate IT, Launch, and Space Systems, including related sites across the USA. Travel up to 25% of the time may be required.

• Senior member of the team delivering global network infrastructure for Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops personnel.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise and guidance for reliable, available IT network infrastructure.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance and 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 IT Infrastructure Standards and implement standards for deployment and management of 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
  • Effective support
  • Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc.
  • Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
  • Efficient cost control
• Work with other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking standards.
• Collaborate with world‑class IT, engineering and business professionals.

• 8+ years of IT experience and bachelor’s degree or 12+ years of total work experience.
• 5+ years 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, and related technologies.

• Specialist certifications such as CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
• Experience with AWS and/or Office 365 & Azure enterprise environments.
• Advanced problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Experience in Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.
• Experience with Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HA/DR/BC, Active Directory, Group Policy, PKI, DNS or DHCP.
• Knowledge of security frameworks such as ISO 27001 or NIST 800‑171.

• Specific vision needs: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, focus.
• Must be able to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate noise.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including overnight stays.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 – $140,000 USD. Salary is case‑by‑case based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Total rewards include company equity, a comprehensive benefits package (medical HMO, PPO, HSA, dental, vision, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending & dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with company match), and other perks such as employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and discounts.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or 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.