Senior Technical Payroll Analyst II

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 to 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.

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 global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Technical Payroll Analyst II will help optimize payroll processes for our domestic and international workforce. This role is pivotal in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and seamless technical integrations across systems, including APIs. While this position does not involve direct payroll processing, it provides essential support to payroll teams and operations.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Workforce Manager, and Workday, along with a proven ability to support payroll operations for mid‑to‑large companies. A strong understanding of SQL, API integrations, and people operations, benefits, finance, and accounting will be critical to success in this role.

• Serve as technical support for ADP Workforce Now and ADP Workforce Manager.
• Manage user access, security roles, permission structures, and assistance requests within ADP Workforce Now to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
• Document technical payroll processes, procedures, log files, and change controls in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Participate in change management processes, including testing system configurations and auditing pre/post‑deployment system changes to ensure compliance with federal and statutory payroll requirements.
• Design, create, and run custom and ad‑hoc reports in ADP; analyze payroll data for accuracy and trends using SQL.
• Develop, test, and maintain integrations between ADP, Workday, and other systems; troubleshoot and resolve integration errors, with a strong focus on API development and management.
• Support end‑to‑end payroll operations for domestic and international employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Participate in payroll module implementations, system upgrades, and special projects, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Collaborate with ADP and third‑party payroll vendors to manage service tickets, resolve issues, and evaluate new systems or partners.

• 8+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years of total work experience).
• Hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Workforce Manager, and technical expertise with HCM systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, UKG) and integrations.
• Strong knowledge and experience with SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• Proven experience with API development and troubleshooting for system integrations.
• Proven experience with global payroll operations, tax filings, and multi‑currency processing.
• Knowledge of SOX compliance, creating custom reports in ADP, and supporting internal and external audits.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot integration issues, manage vendor relationships, and support payroll system implementations and upgrades.

• Expertise in Workday integrations.
• Experience with Flexspring integrations.
• Proficiency in developing and configuring APIs.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or relevant Workday certifications.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., Jira).
• Experience with other HRIS, payroll, or ADP platforms (e.g., Lyric,…