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Rocket Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/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 ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. As a Senior DevOps Engineer I, you will automate CI/CD pipelines and deploy applications for ...

Senior Manager, DevOps Engineering

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior Manager, DevOps Engineering will manage a team of software development operations ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and advanced spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the Optical Systems division by automating CI ...

Senior Manager, DevOps Engineering

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on responsive launch services and spacecraft design. As a Senior Manager in DevOps Engineering, you will lead a team responsible for deploying ...

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Rocket Lab information

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How much do rocket lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for rocket lab in Virginia is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying sales roles such as real estate agents or insurance brokers can earn $10,000 or more per month without requiring a degree, especially with strong sales skills and experience. Additionally, certain skilled trades like commercial plumbing or electrical work, combined with certifications and experience, can also reach this income level, often with flexible schedules and entrepreneurial opportunities.

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.

How hard is it to get a job at Rocket Lab?

Getting a job at Rocket Lab can be competitive, especially for engineering and technical roles that require relevant degrees, experience, and skills in aerospace or related fields. Candidates often need a strong background in STEM, relevant certifications, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment. The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews and technical assessments.

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 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.

Is Rocket Lab good to work for?

Rocket Lab offers roles in aerospace and engineering, often requiring technical skills and safety training. Employees generally report a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth, though work can involve high-pressure projects and strict deadlines.

How much do you get paid at Rocket Lab?

Salaries at Rocket Lab vary depending on the role, experience, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 to $70,000 annually, while more experienced engineers and specialists can earn over $100,000 per year. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and stock options.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rocket Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Rocket Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Rocket Lab jobs in Virginia? For Rocket Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rocket Lab job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,462 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Senior DevOps Engineer I

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 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 60 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
SENIOR DEVOPS ENGINEER I
Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a Senior DevOps Engineer I based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) by automating CI/CD pipelines and deploying applications for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) technology.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
  • Support AWS development, test, and production environments
  • Collaborate with project leads and team members
  • Align with Security and IT for policy assurance
  • Develop and support pipelines that include automation and configurations for containers, data management, and release/deployment solutions for programs
  • Automate software deployments into varied and complex environments using virtual machines, container technologies, Kubernetes, Cloud environments, and bare metal servers
  • Support engagements related to assessing, refactoring and identifying opportunities for existing applications to leverage modern application architectures (e.g. containers)
  • Participate in Agile sprints and associated activities
  • Support onsite work, as well as travel or offsite work, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR DEVOPS ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or equivalent discipline with 5-8 years of experience
  • Experience in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based development and operations environments
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Master's degree in computer science, engineering, or other technical field
  • Experience with architecting solutions in AWS Cloud environments
  • Experience in key AWS services (such as EC2, ELB, RDS, Route53, CloudWatch, S3, etc.)
  • Experience in supporting DevOps tools and pipeline environments, such as Jira, SharePoint, Bitbucket, Jenkins, SonarQube, and Artifactory
  • Experience working with Container technologies (such as Kubernetes, Docker, etc.)
  • Proficiency in Linux system administration
  • Ability to design, enable, and deliver scalable and automated strategies through Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, such as Ansible and Terraform
  • Experience supporting cloud network resources such as VPC, URL proxies, private link, DNS, ACLs, Security groups, routing tables, etc.
  • Background in scripting and/or coding, such as Java, Python, Terraform, and/or Bash
  • CompTIA Security+ certification (or in pursuit of)
  • Experience with on-premises to cloud migrations or IT transformations
  • Experience in database administration; one or more of MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL
  • Experience in AWS ElastiCache for Redis
  • Expertise in the Git version control system command line
  • Familiarity with Information Security frameworks/standards (i.e. CIS, NIST, RFC2196, etc.)
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or Professional
  • Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills

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

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.