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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Every Rocket Lab launch depends on networks that perform the first time, every time. From the HMIs and telemetry servers at the pad to live streams, mission control and customer connectivity, our Launch networks keep engineers, operators and customers connected through every stage of a mission.

Based in our Auckland Production Complex, the Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the implementation, administration and operation of all networks and firewalls supporting Launch and Launch Operations. This includes our Electron and Neutron launch systems and related sites, such as rocket launch sites and engine test facilities. You'll lead upgrades and new site commissioning, set the standards that keep our Launch infrastructure secure and reliable, and be the go-to network expert for the Launch team.

This is a senior, hands-on technical role. Reporting to the Team Lead – IT Engineer, you'll work alongside our other Network Engineers and a team of world-class IT, engineering and business professionals. It's a high-stakes environment where reliability matters, and it's a rare opportunity to build and run the networks behind real rocket launches.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

Deploy and manage highly reliable, scalable network infrastructure and supporting software that enables Rocket Lab engineers and launch personnel to deliver world-class launch capabilities.
Implement, administer and operate the networks and firewalls behind Launch Operations, including HMIs, live streams, loggers and telemetry servers, remote operators, mission control room infrastructure and customer connectivity.
Provide subject matter expertise to deliver and support highly reliable, highly available network infrastructure for the Launch team.
Lead upgrades and maintenance with a focus on continuous improvement, keeping our network infrastructure reliable and secure.
Lead or assist with project scoping, planning and deployment for Launch network infrastructure and new site commissioning projects in support of Annual Operating Plan goals.
Implement standards for deploying and managing Launch infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with Rocket Lab policies and cybersecurity policies, standards and procedures.
Drive simplified, consistent environment management practices and automated build and maintenance processes.
Improve system reliability and ensure High Availability and Disaster Recovery are built into our Launch environments.
Make sure the team is providing effective support, with clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime and support levels.
Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation of environments and support processes.
Manage infrastructure costs efficiently.
Work with the other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking standards.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

7+ years of experience in IT, including at least 4 years in a platform-focused technology role.
Expert knowledge of Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration and management.
Strong knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSec, SSL VPNs and firewalls.
The ability to lead projects from scoping and planning through to deployment.
Strong documentation skills and the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
A proactive, "How can I help?" attitude and a willingness to own your work through to completion.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

A specialist qualification in your area of expertise, such as CISM, AWS, Azure or Microsoft certifications.
Experience with AWS and/or O365 and Azure enterprise environments.
Experience with one or more of Kubernetes, VMware, Linux or Windows.
Experience with configuration management, automation and/or Infrastructure as Code.