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Rocket Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab's Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical ...

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 ...

Senior FPGA Engineer I/II

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

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 ...

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How much do rocket lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for rocket lab in California is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $300,000 annually include senior roles such as aerospace engineers, software executives, investment bankers, and specialized medical professionals like surgeons. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and often involve leadership responsibilities or specialized skills in high-demand fields.

What is a Rocket Lab job?

A Rocket Lab job refers to a position at Rocket Lab, a private aerospace company specializing in small satellite launch services. Employees work in various fields, including engineering, manufacturing, software development, and mission operations. Roles at Rocket Lab support the development of innovative space technologies, such as the Electron rocket and Photon satellite platform. The company offers opportunities for professionals passionate about advancing space access and exploration.

What opportunities for career advancement are available at Rocket Lab?

Rocket Lab is known for offering diverse career growth paths, including advancement from entry-level engineering roles to specialized technical or management positions. Employees may take on increased responsibilities in areas such as launch operations, research and development, or mission management as they gain experience. The company fosters internal mobility through mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. This collaborative, team-oriented environment supports skill development and provides clear routes for progression for dedicated professionals.

What is the highest paying lab job?

In a laboratory setting, senior engineering roles such as Lead Systems Engineer or Principal Engineer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures depending on experience and specialization. These positions require advanced technical skills, often including expertise in propulsion, avionics, or systems integration, and may involve leadership responsibilities and security clearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rocket Lab position, and why are they important?

To thrive at Rocket Lab, candidates typically need a solid background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, along with experience in spacecraft or rocket systems. Familiarity with CAD software, test equipment, and possibly certifications in project management or safety protocols like OSHA can be advantageous. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this fast-paced, innovative environment. These skills are critical for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and continuous improvement in rocket design and launch processes.

Does Rocket Lab allow remote work?

Rocket Lab offers some remote work opportunities, particularly for roles in engineering, software development, and project management. However, many positions require on-site presence at their facilities or launch sites, depending on the job responsibilities. Candidates should review specific job listings for remote work options and requirements.

How much do Rocket Lab employees make?

Salaries for Rocket Lab employees vary by role, experience, and location, but generally range from around $60,000 to over $120,000 annually. Technical positions such as engineers and project managers tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and performance bonuses.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rocket Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Rocket Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Rocket Lab jobs in California? For Rocket Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rocket Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rocket Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Rocket Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Rocket Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Rocket Lab job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,250 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Senior IT Network Engineer II

Senior IT Network Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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 to 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.
SENIOR IT NETWORK ENGINEER II
Located onsite at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility, the Senior IT Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of all networks and firewalls relating to Corporate IT, Launch, Space Systems and their related Operations. These systems include support of the infrastructure required at related sites across the USA so some travel may be required. Related systems include flat sat networks, loggers/telemetry servers, on orbit operations, remote operators, mission control room infra, and customer connectivity.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Be a senior member of the team that delivers a global focus on all the network infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Space Ops Personnel to deliver our world class Launch and Space System capabilities
  • Provides subject matter expertise, advice, and guidance to deliver and support for our highly reliable and available IT network infrastructure that support the Space Systems team
  • Lead upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure network infrastructure
  • Lead project scoping, planning, and deployment for network infrastructure in support of Annual Operating Plan goals
  • Champion the IT Infrastructure Standards at Rocket Lab through the implementation of Standards for the deployment and management of the infrastructure environments to ensure:
    • Compliance with Rocket Lab Policies
    • Compliance with Cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures
    • Simplified and consistent environment management practices
    • Automated build and maintenance processes
    • Improvements to increase reliability of systems
    • System High Availability and Disaster Recovery
    • That the team is providing effective support
    • Clear and concise reporting on usage, uptime, support levels, etc.
    • Comprehensive documentation of environments and support
    • Efficient cost control
  • Work with the other Network Engineers to establish WAN and LAN networking Standards
  • Work with a team of world class IT, engineering, and business professionals

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 8+ years of experience in IT and a bachelor's degree OR equivalent years of work experience (12+ years total experience)
  • 5+ of those years of experience in a network focused technology role
  • In-depth knowledge of Fortinet, Juniper or Cisco network switching and firewall setup, configuration, and management
  • Expert knowledge of WAN, SD-WAN, routing, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Specialist qualification in area of expertise: CISM, AWS, Azure, Microsoft, etc.
  • AWS and/or O365 & Azure enterprise environments
  • Advanced problem solving and analytical skills - able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions
  • One or more of the following: Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code
  • One or more of the following: Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HADRBC, Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP
  • Security frameworks / technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, etc.

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.
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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$115,000-$140,000 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 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.

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