Senior System Administrator I

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 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR I - TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Chantilly, VA Facility, the System Administrator will support and manage critical, classified IT infrastructure within a secure environment. This role involves deploying and maintaining essential computer systems while ensuring full compliance with strict security requirements. You’ll be working closely with security personnel and engineering teams. The position is vital to sustaining the high-stakes infrastructure behind launch systems, spacecraft development, and national security programs, requiring strong attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and a commitment to operational excellence.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Deploy and administer classified IT infrastructure, to include endpoints, servers, and network devices
• Monitor systems, respond to incidents, and proactively optimize performance and security posture
• Implement and maintain hardened system configurations using STIGs and NIST 800-53 controls
• Collaborate with ISSO/ISSM/ISSE and engineering teams to architect secure solutions and gather system requirements
• Develop and maintain documentation of asset management, procedures, system architecture, and incident response

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with a current Tier 5 investigation (formerly SSBI) and must maintain an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsor(s)
• 5+ years of experience & a Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience).
• Must possess DoD 8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification (e.g. Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent)
• Strong working knowledge of security frameworks: NIST 800-53, STIGs.
• Hands-on experience with: Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu/RHEL), VMware vSphere, Docker, FortiGate/FortiOS, Cisco IOS, ACAS, Splunk, Trellix
• Willingness to travel up to 20% (occasional overnight), work extended hours and weekends as mission requires

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with NIST RMF, ISO 27001 Security frameworks.
• Master's degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field
• Specialist/advanced certifications in area of expertise (e.g., RHCSA, CCNP, GCIH, CISSP etc.)
• Experience with scripting/automation tools including PowerShell, Bash, Python, and Ansible
• Experience as an ISSO, ISSE, or ISSM
• Strong understanding of networking protocols including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN (802.1Q), and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF)

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.  

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.