IT Systems Engineer II - Launch (Linux)

rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an IT Systems Engineer II - Launch (Linux) to deliver day-to-day IT support and advanced expertise for engineers at our Auckland facility.

Join a global IT team maintaining infrastructure that enables mission success with highly reliable systems. Requires 5+ years IT, strong Linux/DevOps skills, and a focus on security and reliability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in IT with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (9+ years experience acceptable).
• 2+ years in a Linux/DevOps focused role.
• Hands-on Linux OS deployment in physical or virtual environments.
• Experience with Enterprise Linux OS architecture and administration.
• Proficient with Linux-based and open-source tech (Apache, BIND, HAProxy, NGINX, mail servers, iptables).
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, Puppet) and DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding networking concepts including security, architecture, troubleshooting tools.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex IT issues across networks, systems, and integrations with escalated troubleshooting.
• Provide SME guidance to ensure performance and availability of critical IT systems.
• Lead upgrade and maintenance initiatives focusing on reliability and security.
• Implement IT infrastructure standards for deployment across Space Systems environments.
• Participate in on-call rotation supporting 24/7/365 Launch Mission Operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize infrastructure solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Rocket Lab policies and cybersecurity standards in deployments.

Skills

IT systems

Linux/DevOps

Linux OS deployment

Enterprise Linux

Linux web services

Configuration management

DevOps tools

Networking concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Ansible

Puppet

Docker

Kubernetes

Prometheus

Grafana

InfluxDB

Job description

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.

IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER II - LAUNCH (LINUX)

Located onsite at our Auckland New Zealand Facility, the IT Systems Engineer II will deliver day-to-day IT support and advanced technical expertise to Rocket Lab engineers while contributing to infrastructure implementations and projects across the organization. Join our IT team in maintaining the global IT infrastructure that empowers mission success through highly reliable and available systems.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Resolve complex technical issues across network infrastructure, systems, and integrations requiring escalated troubleshooting and analysis
• Deliver subject matter expertise and technical guidance to ensure optimal performance and availability of critical IT systems
• Drive upgrade and maintenance initiatives with a focus on continuous improvement, reliability, and security
• Implement and champion IT infrastructure standards for deployment and management across Space Systems environments
• Participate in an on-call rotation supporting 24/7/365 Launch Mission Operations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, deploy, and optimize infrastructure solutions that meet organizational needs
• Implement and champion IT infrastructure standards for the deployment and management of Launch environments to ensure:
• Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
• Compliance with cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures
• Simplified and consistent environment management practises
• Automated build and maintenance processes
• Improvements to increase reliability of systems
• System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
• Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc
• Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
• Efficient cost control
• Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelors degree or equivalent years of experience (9+ years of work experience)
• 2+ years of experience in a Linux or DevOps focused technology role
• Hands-on experience with the deployment of Linux OS in physical or virtualized environments
• Experience with Enterprise Linux OS architecture and administration
• Proficient in the setup, configuration, upgrade, management, and troubleshooting of Linux-based and open-source systems and technologies such as Apache, BIND, HAProxy, NGINX, sendmail/postfix, iptables, etc.
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, Puppet), provisioning, infrastructure as code, and other DevOps concepts and tools (i.e. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Understanding of networking concepts including network security, network architecture design, technical standards and deliverables, troubleshooting tools

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Specialist qualifications in area of expertise: Linux, CCNA, AWS, Microsoft, Azure, etc.
• Experience with mass deployment of devices or IaC
• Experience with Python, Shell, Bash, and/or other languages
• Networking experience in IPv4, switching, routing, firewalls and HA architecture
• Experience with Promethius, Grafana, InfluxDB
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills - able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions

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.

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, law