IT Network Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space company that provides launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions with the aim of broadening access to space. Its vehicles and spacecraft support missions in scientific research, Earth observation, climate action, national security, and technology demonstrations. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. The company is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launcher for larger satellite constellations. Through its Space Systems division, Rocket Lab designs and produces satellites, payloads, and spacecraft components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Team Overview

The IT function supports Rocket Lab’s worldwide teams by managing access to information and keeping business operations running across systems, networks, and devices. The team operates in a fast-moving setting and solves complex problems while supporting proprietary systems and personnel across areas such as finance and launch operations.

Role Summary

The IT Network Engineer II will be based on site at Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex in Mt. Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand. This role sits within the team accountable for the design, deployment, and ongoing operation of all IT network systems, including infrastructure that supports Launch and Space Systems activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the team that manages global network infrastructure and software supporting Rocket Lab engineers and mission-critical launch and space systems work.
• Provide guidance and technical support to maintain a dependable, highly available IT network environment.
• Own upgrades and maintenance tasks with a continuous-improvement mindset to strengthen network reliability and security.
• Drive adherence to IT infrastructure standards through consistent deployment and management practices.
• Help ensure compliance with Rocket Lab policies, cybersecurity requirements, standards, and procedures.
• Support a streamlined, consistent infrastructure environment through improved management methods.
• Promote automation for build and maintenance activities where possible.
• Contribute to greater system reliability, high availability, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Support effective team operations and service delivery.
• Produce clear reporting on usage, uptime, support performance, and related metrics.
• Maintain thorough documentation for environments and support processes.
• Help manage infrastructure cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with other network engineers to define WAN and LAN networking standards.
• Work closely with IT, engineering, and business stakeholders across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of IT experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with a bachelor’s degree or 9+ total years of IT work experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a network-oriented technical role.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Juniper switching configuration and administration.
• Working knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSEC, and SSL VPNs.
• Experience with DNS and/or DHCP.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Fortinet firewall configuration and administration.
• Exposure to Cisco switching configuration and administration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a capacity to connect details to the bigger picture.
• Experience with configuration management, automation, and/or infrastructure as code.
• Understanding of security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST 800-171.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a desk using a computer, keyboard, and office equipment for long periods.
• Capability to review documents and computer screens and distinguish details at different distances.
• Mobility to move between buildings, attend meetings, and reach different work areas.
• Occasional exposure to production environments where moderate noise, dust, and fumes may be present.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab operates in a high-performance environment where progress depends on hard work, persistence, innovation, teamwork, grit, and a strong commitment to solving difficult problems. The culture values mutual support, humility, accountability, and a hands-on approach. Team members are expected to perform well under pressure, meet demanding deadlines, and stay focused on delivering results rather than dwelling on obstacles.

Important Information

For roles in U.S. offices, candidates must meet U.S. export control requirements related to space technology, including ITAR eligibility. Depending on the applicable authorization rules, acceptable status may include U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility for required approvals from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic. This policy applies throughout employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave, compensation, and training.

For applicants who need a reasonable accommodation for a job in the United States, a dedicated contact is provided for support during the application and interview process. Messages should be limited to requests related to disability accommodations that prevent a candidate from applying or interviewing. Replies may take up to two business days.

For candidates applying to New Zealand offices, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because this position requires access to equipment and data controlled under U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these rules, candidates may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if they have an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role in Auckland, and the work environment combines office-based responsibilities with occasional exposure to production areas. The position calls for dependable collaboration, strong technical ownership, and the ability to support a critical operational network environment.