Personnel Security (PERSEC) Lead

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

PERSONAL SECURITY (PERSEC) LEAD

The Personnel Security (PERSEC) Lead is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day execution of Rocket Labs personnel security program in support of the companys overall national security mission. This role ensures full compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and applicable government regulations while enabling the business to move quickly and win classified work. The PERSEC Lead partners closely with Industrial Security Physical Security IT Security HR Legal and Program Management to ensure cleared personnel are processed efficiently compliantly and with a high degree of integrity.

The PERSEC Lead acts as a technical leader and trusted advisor within the Global Security organization. This individual demonstrates ownership of business outcomes proactively identifies risk before it becomes impact and drives continuous improvement of personnel security processes. They balance strict regulatory compliance with Rocket Labs need for speed and innovation ensuring Security enables mission success rather than impedes it.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage the enterprise-wide Personnel Security program ensuring compliance with 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and all applicable DoD and Intelligence Community requirements.
• Oversee end-to-end clearance processing including initial investigations periodic reinvestigations Continuous Vetting updates upgrades SCI nominations polygraph coordination as well as briefings and debriefings.
• Serve as the primary interface with DCSA DoD and IC PERSEC representatives for all clearance-related matters.
• Ensure accurate and timely submissions and management within DISS NBIS and other government systems of record.
• Develop and maintain internal controls SOPs and metrics to ensure audit readiness and continuous compliance under the companys FCL 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and all applicable DoD and Intelligence Community requirements.
• Lead adverse information reporting incident management and coordination with Insider Threat Legal and HR to ensure proper handling and mitigation.
• Partner with Leadership and Talent Acquisition to forecast clearance demand reduce processing cycle times and align personnel security actions with business growth objectives.
• Provide subject matter expertise to senior leadership regarding clearance strategy eligibility risk and program impact to contracts and revenue.
• Train managers and employees on clearance responsibilities reporting obligations and security best practices.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PERSONNEL SECURITY (PERSEC) LEAD:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in security management business or related field.
• 7 years of experience in Industrial Security with significant focus on Personnel Security (PERSEC).
• Deep working knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) requirements DISS NBIS TALON and related DoD/IC systems.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with a current SSBI and must maintain an active Top Secret SCI clearance with polygraph as required by program sponsor(s).
• Domestic travel may be required (25%).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience supporting SCI and/or SAP programs and Intelligence Community customers.
• Strong background in audit preparation and successful DCSA assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion sound judgment and professionalism.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills coupled with strong business acumen

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 fingersoperatecomputer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute tobuildings
• Occasionalexposure to dustfumesand moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.