Cybersecurity Engineer II - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer II - Secret Clearance based in Long Beach, CA. You will design, implement, and maintain security for SDA programs, protecting sensitive information and systems across networks, servers, and applications.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in CS or Info Security, an active Secret clearance, and 2+ years in security engineering, with certifications like Security+, CISSP, or CEH.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Active Secret security clearance required upon hire.
• 2+ years of experience in system security engineering or a related role.
• 8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification (e.g. Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST 800, ISO 27001, CIS Controls).
• Proficiency in security tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection).
• Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing hybrid environments.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect the programs IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and applications.
• Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
• Monitor security systems and respond to security incidents, providing detailed analysis and remediation.
• Collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle.
• Stay current with the latest security trends, technologies, and threats, and recommend enhancements to improve the organization's security posture.

Skills

Security engineering

Security incident response

Problem solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

SIEM

Endpoint protection

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At 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.

Our 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.

CYBERSECURITY ENGINEER II - SECRET CLEARANCE

Based out of Long Beach, CA, the Cybersecurity Engineer II - Secret Clearance will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security infrastructure of SDA programs. This role requires an understanding of security principles, advanced technical skills, and the ability to stay ahead of emerging threats. The ideal candidate will have experience in software security engineering, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for protecting sensitive information.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect the programs IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and applications.
• Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
• Monitor security systems and respond to security incidents, providing detailed analysis and remediation.
• Collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle.
• Stay current with the latest security trends, technologies, and threats, and recommend enhancements to improve the organization's security posture.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Active Secret security clearance required upon hire
• 2+ years of experience in system security engineering or a related role.
• 8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification (e.g. Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST 800, ISO 27001, CIS Controls).
• Proficiency in security tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection).
• Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing hybrid environments.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's degree In Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• Excellent understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and application security.
• Experience with DevSecOps practices and tools.
• Experience with incident response and digital forensics.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, PowerShell)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join 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