Manager - Launch Infrastructure

Team Manager – Launch Infrastructure

Located onsite at out Long Beach, CA headquarters, the Team Manager role will be responsible for providing guidance and mentorship for the IT infrastructure launch team as well as leading the design, implementation, and operation of all IT systems relating to launch and launch operations.

These systems include support for Electron and Neutron launch systems and related sites such as PTC, LC-1, LC-2, and Stennis.  Components include HMIs, live streams, loggers/telemetry servers, launch operations, remote operators, mission control room infra, and customer connectivity.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead the team to deliver a global focus on all the infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab engineers and launch personnel to deliver our world class launch capabilities.
• Manage and provide effective guidance to the team. Set goals, tasks, and deadlines as well as KPIs and other metrics to provide well defined performance expectations.  Discover training needs and provide coaching.
• Contribute to AOP goals, initiatives, projects, budgets, and reporting.
• Provides subject matter expertise, advise, and guidance to deliver and support highly reliable and available IT systems through efficient management of the systems that support Launch and the delivery of projects.
• Lead project scoping, planning, and deployment for launch infrastructure and new site commissioning projects.
• Lead the Launch IT infrastructure standards function(s) at Rocket Lab through the implementation of standards for the deployment and management of the launch ops infra-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.
• Assist with all auditing requirements including NIST, SOX, and other customer requests.
• Manage the team to perform upgrades, maintenance, and with a focus on continuous improvement to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ year of experience in IT.
• 5+ of those years of experience in an Infrastructure focused technology role.
• 1+ of those years of experience in a leadership role or demonstrated ability to lead a team.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Kubernetes, VMware, Linux, Windows, Configuration Management, Automation, and/or Infrastructure as Code.
  • Server and Storage hardware, Backups, HADRBC, Active Directory, Group Policy, Certificate Management (PKI), DNS, or DHCP.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Scripting, automation, or infrastructure as code experience.
• Security frameworks and technology: ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, IPSEC, SSL VPNs, firewalls, etc.
• Network (LANWAN) and security product support experience.
• Experience working with ground systems, high volume data transfers, launch operations, etc.
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections and appropriate decisions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours.
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.