Sr. Information System Security Officer; ISSO

Sr. Information System Security Officer (ISSO)

Long Beach, CA

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.

The 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.

Based out of Rocket Lab headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Sr. 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.

• Ensure classified information systems meet cybersecurity requirements and government directives through system auditing, vulnerability risk assessments, assured file transfers, hardware and software configuration management, data integrity control implementation, and investigations on security violations and incidents.
• Provide cybersecurity education and training to all system users and offer 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 POA&Ms in coordination with all system stakeholders to identify weaknesses, mitigating actions, resources, and timelines for corrective actions.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related technical discipline preferred, or the equivalent combination of education, professional training, or work experience culminating in at least 5 years of experience in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field as an ISSO, ISSE, or System Administrator implementing or managing cybersecurity requirements, security plans, and accreditation packages for classified information systems under DoD and/or IC organizations.
• 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, SNOW, NIST 800‑53, and NIST 800‑171 implementations.
• Experience with cyber tools such as Nessus, Splunk, etc.
• Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance with CI polygraph as required by program sponsor(s) with a current SSBI.
• Ability to travel in support of other…