Senior Information System Security Officer I

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.

SENIOR INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY OFFICER (ISSO)

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) is responsible for maintaining the overall security posture for all Rocket Lab classified information systems and is accountable for the implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF). The ISSO will be responsible for implementing and maintaining security controls for systems, ensuring ongoing Authorization to Operate (ATO), and serving as a security advisor to system owners and development teams. In this role you will support the ISSM, CPSO/FSO and Government Program Security organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Ensure classified information systems meet cybersecurity requirements and government directives through the performance of system auditing, vulnerability risk assessments, assured file transfers, hardware and software configuration management, data integrity control implementation, and investigations on security violations and/or incidents.
• Provide cybersecurity education and training to all system users; Provide technical and procedural Information System security expertise as needed. 
• Assume System Administrator and ISSE responsibilities as necessary and assist in other disciplines of Security as needed to support the program.
• Develop, maintain, and update, in coordination with all system stakeholders, any required POA&Ms to identify system weaknesses, mitigating actions, resources, and timelines for corrective actions. Entries in the POA&M will be based on vulnerabilities and recommendations identified during assessments.
• Maintain the system(s) in accordance with the security plan and Authorization to Operate (ATO); manage, maintain, and execute the continuous monitoring strategy.
• Ensure approved procedures are used for sanitizing and releasing system components and media.
• Perform other security-related duties as assigned or required by program needs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education, certifications, professional training, or work experience culminating in at least 9 years in cybersecurity. 
• Must possess or be able to obtain DoD 8140 IAM Level II security certification within 4 months of employment (CISSP, CISM or Security+ equivalent).
• Experience with eMASS, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171 implementations.
• Experience with cyber tools such as Nessus, Splunk, etc.
• Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance as required by program sponsor(s) with a current SSBI
• Ability to travel in support of other locations or programs when required.
• The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Experience collecting and preparing cybersecurity compliance artifacts for non-traditional IT systems, including space systems, flight software, and mission payloads.
• Experience with AWS security services (e.g., IAM, KMS, CloudTrail, Security Hub) and cloud security frameworks.
• Experience developing and executing program protection strategies for existing and developing NISP, SAR, and/or SCI programs
• Ability to manage large projects or processes that span outside of immediate job area.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and operate as a team member.

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. 

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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$110,000—$136,000 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 [email protected].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.