Principal Software Security Engineer Littleton, Colorado, United States

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE SECURITY ENGINEER
Based out of Rocket Lab's site Denver, CO, the Principal Software Security Engineer at Rocket Lab will be responsible for the development of secure software architectures embedded in our space vehicles, space payloads, and ground systems. Initially, you will work on the company's most advanced satellite system serving the national security communications needs of the United States. You will work directly with program leadership as a key member of the software development management team to drive cyber security principles and features into all aspects of the program. You will interact with company cybersecurity management to develop processes that persist and improve how we build space systems at Rocket Lab.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Design security into Rocket Lab's flight software suite and program ground and enterprise software.
Work with Rocket Lab's cybersecurity management team to assess security vulnerabilities, identify mitigation strategies, develop cybersecurity processes that apply across many programs, and document our progress for our customer and internal users.
Lead the program cybersecurity testing activities, including developing plans for vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and encryption testing.
Work with Rocket Lab's mission partners to synchronize designs, processes, and documentation to meet customer requirements.
Make recommendations on cybersecurity processes and implementation to ensure project objectives are set and roles of team members are clear.
Proactively manage and communicate risks and issues related to cybersecurity vulnerability, satellite system functionality, and cybersecurity documentation.
Recommend solutions to conflicts between multiple teams/functions caused by security and cybersecurity.
Communicate project progress frequently and effectively to staff and executive levels and work effectively within the organization to evaluate development and test results.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
15+ years of experience with software development.
7+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity implementation, operations, and documentation.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent software development experience and education through alternative pathways such as military training programs.
Demonstrated capabilities in software development for secure applications, preferably for embedded hardware.
Working knowledge of risk management frameworks.
Willingness to own, lead, and learn across disciplines.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience with DoD and/or NASA programs.
Ability to be broadly focused, while paying attention to detail and concurrently managing multiple efforts.
Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including engineering staff, program leadership, and technical group management.
Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and influence skills.
Ability to work in fast-paced, changing, and ambiguous environments.
Secret security clearance.
Experience managing teams.
CISSP Certification or equivalent.
Ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel between Rocket Lab sites in Long Beach, CA and Denver, CO and to customer sites in CA, the Washington, DC area, and Integration and Launch sites will be required at about 20% time.
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.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (CO Only): $150,000 — $245,000 USD
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.
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.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at ******. 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.

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