IT Systems Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space company that provides responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions, all aimed at widening access to space. Its vehicles and spacecraft support a range of important missions, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused work, national security, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket is now among the most frequently launched U.S. rockets each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. At the same time, Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Its Space Systems division builds satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware chosen for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Team Overview

Rocket Lab's IT group supports how global teams access information and operate across company systems, networks, and devices. The team works in a fast-moving environment and solves problems across proprietary tools and business functions, including finance and launch operations.

Role Summary

Based onsite at the Auckland Production Complex in Mt. Wellington, Auckland, this position sits within a manufacturing environment that moves quickly and relies on strong collaboration. The IT Systems Engineer II will handle implementation, administration, and day-to-day operation of platform and operating system environments, including VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, Windows Server, and Windows client systems.

What You Will Do

• Act as a technical resource for IT systems, offering guidance and support while helping manage cloud infrastructure and deliver projects efficiently.
• Perform upgrades and routine maintenance with a strong focus on reliability, security, and continuous improvement.
• Take ownership of planning and rollout activities for infrastructure-related projects.
• Partner with IT, engineering, and business teams to deliver work in a collaborative environment.
• Build and maintain automated workflows for software packaging and delivery, operating system deployment, and configuration management across the enterprise SCCM hierarchy.
• Support upgrades and migrations by applying the necessary changes to keep operations running smoothly.
• Resolve user software and hardware issues within the scope of project work and policy requirements.
• Carry out site-specific risk reduction tasks during change and configuration management to support a stable transition to new automation capabilities.
• Create, validate, and roll out standard operating systems, application packages, scripts, and batch programs for software distribution and platform configuration management.

Required Experience and Knowledge

• At least 5 years of relevant experience, along with a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and a high school diploma or GED totaling 9 or more years.
• Strong working knowledge of Windows Server administration, including Active Directory, Group Policy, certificate management (PKI), DNS, and DHCP.
• Experience with AWS and/or enterprise environments built on O365 and Azure.
• Hands-on familiarity with one or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, configuration management, automation, or infrastructure as code.
• Practical exposure to one or more of these areas: server and storage hardware, backups, NetApp, Pure Storage, hyperconverged infrastructure, or VOIP phone systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialist-level certification or qualification in a relevant platform such as AWS, Azure, or Microsoft.
• Working knowledge of Juniper or Cisco networking, including IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, and related technologies.
• Experience with security standards or frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, CMMC, or CUI.
• Experience setting up, configuring, and managing Fortinet firewalls.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Work Environment

This role may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer-based work. Occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes may also occur in production areas.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab looks for people who bring determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership. The culture values supporting one another, keeping egos in check, and tackling tasks of every size with the same level of commitment. Team members are expected to perform well under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on delivering solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.

Important Information for New Zealand Candidates

For security reasons, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality screening because this role requires eligibility to access equipment and data governed by United States ITAR regulations.

Under these requirements, candidates may not be eligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they hold dual citizenship or nationality that is not permitted under the regulations.

Equal Opportunity

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not allow discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected characteristic. These principles apply across hiring, compensation, promotion, termination, transfer, leave, training, and all other employment conditions.