Demo

Director, IT Infrastructure Operations

Rocket Lab USA
Long Beach, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/11/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/10/2026

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 rocket has 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.

IT

Rocket Lab's IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.

DIRECTOR, IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of IT Infrastructure reports to the Vice President of IT and develops IT support system strategies, processes and procedures to deliver reliable, repeatable, and scalable information technology solutions to meet Rocket Lab's expanding business needs. This employee will ensure the efficient delivery of technology to meet the needs of Rocket Lab employees while ensuring high level of security and compliance standards.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Development of a high performing team of IT engineers, located around the world, with priority on enabling our engineers to design, develop, and manufacture world class technology products and solutions.
  • Leader in computing, storage, network, OS, and Devops technologies required to support a dynamic engineering company that is developing the latest Rocket and Satellite technology.
  • Defines and manages IT infrastructure priorities with business leaders including Space Systems and Launch Operation teams to ensure aggressive business priorities are achieved by the team.
  • Develops industry leading processes and procedures for managing global infrastructures services across many Rocket Lab facilities, with on-premises infrastructure as well as cloud-based infrastructure, while delivering high availably and uptime.
  • Ensures fleet of infrastructure equipment meets Rocket Lab security and compliance standards.
  • Develops relationships with vendors for procurement of IT software and hardware. Negotiates most favorable agreements for Rocket Lab.
  • Develop strategy for 24x7 global support model.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 12 years' experience with increasing responsibility in IT infrastructure with Operations, Data Centers, Virtualization, O365, Networks, Support, and Security.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience (16 years total work experience).
  • IT leadership in a globally diverse organization.
  • Experience in high tech, engineering and/or manufacturing organizations.
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience in a high-availability 24/7 Cloud/AWS/Azure and On-Prem environment.
  • Technical expertise in components like Windows, Linux, VMWare, iSeries, Networking, SAN, Switches, Firewall, Wifi and Access Points, etc.
  • Experience with M&A (due diligence, integration planning, execution) and impacts on IT.
  • Prior experience in rapid growth environment.

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 fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.


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.

Salary : $175,000 - $225,000

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