Senior IT Systems Engineer II

Space Talent; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the space industry seeks a Senior IT Engineer specializing in Cloud Systems (AWS) to enhance their infrastructure at the Long Beach headquarters. This role demands extensive experience in IT and cloud technologies to support operations crucial to launch capabilities, ensuring reliability and security across systems. Ideal candidates will have strong AWS expertise and a proactive approach to challenges.

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & company-sponsored medical HSA plan

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year

11 paid holidays per year

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Subsidized EV charging stations

Onsite gym

Food and drinks provided

Childcare concierge services

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in IT.
• 2+ years in platform-focused technology role.
• In-depth knowledge of AWS, Linux, and security standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of cloud platforms.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity and infrastructure standards.
• Manage upgrades and maintenance of cloud infrastructure.

Skills

AWS enterprise environments

Linux

Configuration Management

Automation

Infrastructure as Code

Security frameworks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or equivalent experience

Tools

Ansible

Kubernetes

GitLab

TeamCity

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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 Engineer – Cloud Systems (AWS)

Located onsite at our Long Beach, CA headquarters, the Senior IT Cloud Engineer will lead and be responsible for the design and implementation of the different cloud computing platforms and applications (AWS) that are required at Rocket Lab

Reports to the Team Lead – Infrastructure Manager

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Be a senior member of the team that delivers a global focus on all the infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Launch Personnel to deliver our world class Launch capabilities.
• Provides subject matter expertise, advise, and guidance to deliver and support for our highly reliable and available Cloud infrastructure that support the Rocket Lab teams.
• Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.
• Lead project scoping, planning, and deployment for Cloud infrastructure.
• Champion the IT Cloud Infrastructure Standards function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the Launch infra 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
  • That the team is providing effective support
  • 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+ year of experience in IT and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (9+ Years of work experience).
• 2+ of those years of experience in a platform focused technology role.
• In-depth knowledge of at least one of:
  • AWS enterprise environments.
  • one or more of the following: Linux, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.
  • one or more of the following: Ansible, Kubernetes, GitLab, TeamCity
  • Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include 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.

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. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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, childcare concierge, and other 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $115,000 — $145,000 USD

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 hereITAR Regulations.