Senior IT Support Specialist

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive benefits

Onsite fitness centers

Discounts on merchandise

Parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior IT Support Specialist onsite to work with the IT Client Services Lead and multiple IT teams, including Infrastructure and Launch. You will be the senior on‑site support for Rocket Lab HQ staff, mentoring teammates and owning complex tasks in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

This role provides exposure to a range of technologies, cross‑team collaboration during launches, and opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to mission‑critical

Qualifications

• 4+ years of IT support experience with a diploma.
• Experience supporting end-to-end IT projects in all phases.
• Familiarity with AI platforms and prompt engineering concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient delivery of IT services to Rocket Lab.
• Track and update Incident, Request, Problem, Change, and Project tickets.
• Be the on-site subject matter expert for IT Support.
• Offer instruction, guidance, and documentation to teams.
• Support Launch and Mission Operation during launches.
• Occasional domestic travel; on-call rotation may be required.

Skills

IT support experience

Windows/Linux familiarity

Networking basics

Scripting language

Active Directory / Group Policy

AI platforms familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Azure

AWS

O365

Terraform

Ansible

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.

SENIOR IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

As a Senior IT Support Specialist based onsite at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach Office, you will work closely with the IT Client Services Lead, and multiple IT teams, including Infrastructure and Launch, in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment. You will be the senior on‑site support person for the staff at Rocket Lab HQ. This role is ideal for a professional seeking to broaden their technical expertise working with multiple technologies, while providing mentorship within a dynamic, collaborative IT team. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of more complex tasks and projects while working closely with multiple IT teams. A natural curiosity and a drive to continuously learn are essential to be successful in this role.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Carry out the day‑to‑day functions required to provide the efficient delivery of IT services to Rocket Lab.
• Track and update support desk Incident, Request, Problem, Change, and Project tickets, as well as related documentation.
• Build strong relationships and be the subject matter expert for IT Support.
• Provide instruction, guidance, technical support and documentation to different teams.
• Provide support to Launch and Mission Operation during launch periods.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required.
• This position may require flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and participation in an on‑call rotation as needed.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4+ years of experience in IT support and high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Operational experience with most and proficiency in at least two of the following:
  • Windows or Linux desktop operating systems (including imaging, maintenance, troubleshooting)
  • PC hardware (Including assembly and disassembly of desktop PCs)
  • Understanding of networking infrastructure and basic troubleshooting (TCP/IP/DNS)
  • A scripting language
  • Active Directory and Group Policy
• Experience participating in and supporting a medium to complex, end‑to‑end IT project, in all phases from initial requirements gathering and planning through implementation, testing, stakeholder coordination, and ongoing operational support
• Familiarity with common AI platforms and the ability to write effective prompts, evaluate AI‑generated outputs, and identify opportunities to leverage AI to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Certifications in ITIL or CompTIA++
• Experience with cloud‑based technologies (Azure, AWS, O365)
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies and public/private cloud environments
• Experience with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Ansible and Terraform
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills, able to see the big picture and make connections
• Ability to communicate and present complex and technical concepts and ideas to a general audience
• Experience in fast‑paced, high‑tech industries like semiconductors or aerospace, supporting engineers, labs, manufacturing, and critical operations such as mission control, launch, and test ops

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.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$30.38—$37.98 USD

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry‑leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top‑tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

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, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.