Senior Cybersecurity Engineer I - Secret Clearance

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR CYBERSECURITY ENGINEER I - SECRET CLEARANCE

Based out of Long Beach, CA, the Senior Cybersecurity Engineer I - Secret Clearance will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security infrastructure of SDA programs. This role requires a deep understanding of security principles, advanced technical skills, and the ability to stay ahead of emerging threats. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software security engineering, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for protecting sensitive information.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect the programs IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and applications.
• Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
• Monitor security systems and respond to security incidents, providing detailed analysis and remediation.
• Collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle.
• Stay current with the latest security trends, technologies, and threats, and recommend enhancements to improve the organization's security posture.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior security engineers and other IT staff.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Active Secret security clearance required upon hire
• 5+ years of experience in system security engineering or a related role.
• 8140 Intermediate or Advanced certification (e.g. Security+, Cloud+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST 800, ISO 27001, CIS Controls).
• Proficiency in security tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection).
• Experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing hybrid environments.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's degree In Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• Excellent understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and application security.
• Experience with DevSecOps practices and tools.
• Experience with incident response and digital forensics.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, PowerShell)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$152,000—$233,000 USD

Base Salary

$130,000—$198,000 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 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.