Senior IT Systems Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior IT Systems Engineer I - Platform to be based onsite at our Albuquerque, NM facility. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and operating platform environments across VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, and Windows, with emphasis on automation via Ansible and standards-driven configuration management.

You will lead upgrades, deployment planning, and continuous improvement to deliver secure, highly available infrastructure that supports launch operations and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of IT experience with a bachelor's degree or equivalent (total 9+ years).
• 3+ years in a platform-focused technology role.
• Strong experience with Ansible.
• Deep knowledge of Kubernetes, VMware, Linux configuration management, automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.

Responsibilities

• Enable Rocket Lab engineers globally by leveraging platform technology to design, manufacture, and manage rocket and space systems.
• Provide subject matter expertise to deliver and support IT systems through efficient management of platform infrastructure and projects.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and continuous improvement for reliable, secure infrastructure.
• Lead project planning and deployment of platform infrastructure projects (VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, Windows) for AOI goals.
• Champion configuration management standards and automation deployments to ensure compliance, reliability, and cost control.

Skills

IT experience

Platform focused tech

Ansible

Kubernetes

VMware

Linux

Windows

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Ansible

Kubernetes

VMware

Linux

Windows Server

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.

SENIOR IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER I - PLATFORM

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility, the Senior IT Systems Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of the different platform and operating system environments that are in use at Rocket Lab.

These environments include:

• VMware
• Kubernetes
• Linux
• Windows Server and Client

This role reports to the Team Lead - IT Infrastructure Manager.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Enable Rocket Lab Engineers globally, by leveraging the last platform technology, to efficiently design, manufacture, and manage the next generation of rockets and space systems.
• Provides subject matter expertise, advise, and guidance to deliver and support IT systems through efficient management of the platform infrastructure and the delivery of projects.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
• Lead project planning and deployment for platform infrastructure projects, which include VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, and Windows, in support of Annual Operating Plan goals.
• Champion the configuration management function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of standards for the deployment and management of the different platforms via automation deployments utilizing tools like Ansible to ensure:
  • Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
  • Compliance with Cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Improvements to increase reliability of systems
  • System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
  • Simplified and consistent environment management practices
  • Complete and compliant system baselines and hardening guides for each OS and environment
  • Automated build, deployment, and maintenance processes for each OS and environment
  • Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc
  • Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
  • Efficient cost control

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in IT and a bachelors degree or equivalent years of working experience (9+ Years of total experience).
• 3+ of those years of experience in a platform focused technology role.
• In depth experience working with Ansible.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Scripting, automation, or Infrastructure as Code experience.
• Security frameworks and technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
• Network (LAN\\WAN) and security product support experience.
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills - able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and K8s.

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, 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] 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.