Senior Cybersecurity Engineer I -Secret Clearance

📋 Job Overview

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.

🏢 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.

🎯 The Role

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.

✅ Key Responsibilities

• 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.

📌 Required 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.

⭐ Desirable Experience

• 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.

🎁 Benefits

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.

🛂 Visa & Eligibility

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.