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 humanitys 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 Labs 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. Youll 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 YOULL 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

YOULL 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 Bachelors 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.
• Masters 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.

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 here ITAR Regulations.