Senior IT Network Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior IT Network Engineer II at their Long Beach, CA facility. In this role, you'll design, implement, and manage networks and firewalls crucial for Corporate IT and Space Systems operations.

Ideal candidates have over 8 years of IT experience, including expertise in technologies such as Fortinet, CISCO, and Juniper. This position requires strong leadership skills and offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and equity opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in IT with 5+ years in a network-focused role.
• In-depth knowledge of network switching and firewall setup.
• Expert knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, and firewalls.

Responsibilities

• Deliver global network infrastructure for launch and space system capabilities.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and improvements of network infrastructure.
• Work with other Network Engineers on WAN and LAN networking standards.

Skills

IT network infrastructure expertise

Knowledge of Fortinet, Juniper, Cisco

Expertise in routing, IPSEC, SSL VPNs

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (12+ years)

Tools

Fortinet

Juniper

Cisco

Job description

Job Overview

Senior IT Network Engineer II located onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility. The role is responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of all networks and firewalls related to Corporate IT, Launch, Space Systems and their related operations, including support of infrastructure at related U.S. sites. Some travel across the USA may be required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver global network infrastructure and software that enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to deliver launch and space system capabilities.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise, advice and guidance for reliable and available IT network infrastructure supporting the Space Systems team.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance and continuous improvement to ensure a secure and reliable network infrastructure.
• Lead project scoping, planning and deployment for network infrastructure in support of Annual Operating Plan goals.
• Champion IT Infrastructure Standards at Rocket Lab through implementation of standards for deployment and management of infrastructure 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.
• Work with a team of world‑class IT, engineering and business professionals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor's degree OR equivalent years of work experience (12+ years total experience).
• 5+ years of experience 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, etc.

Nice to Have

• Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
• AWS and/or O365 & Azure enterprise environments.
• Advanced problem‑solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.
• One or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.
• One or more of the following: Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HA/DR/BC, Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP.
• Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800‑171, etc.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including occasional overnight stays, in accordance with company travel policies and applicable laws.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,000—$140,000 USD

Benefits

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top‑tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility – US Offices Only

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise meet U.S. government export regulations. They must obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the Department of Commerce as applicable.

Eligibility – New Zealand Offices Only

Applicants must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. ITAR. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU or a NATO member country, or similar. Dual or ineligible nationality may disqualify an applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Accommodations

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.