New

Sr. Information System Security Officer (ISSO)

Rocket Lab USA
United States, Arizona, Tucson
Feb 12, 2026
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 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 rockethas 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 INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY OFFICER (ISSO) Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC, and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Based out of Rocket Lab Optical Systems Tucson, AZ 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. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Ensure classified information systems meet cybersecurity requirements and government directives through the performance of system auditing, vulnerability risk assessments, assured file transfers, hardware and software configuration management, data integrity control implementation, and investigations on security violations and/or incidents. Provide cybersecurity education and training to all system users; Provide 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, in coordination with all system stakeholders, any required POA&Ms to identify system weaknesses, mitigating actions, resources, and timelines for corrective actions. Entries in the POA&M will be based on vulnerabilities and recommendations identified during assessments. 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. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 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 locations or programs when required. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience developing and executing program protection strategies for existing and developing NISP, SAR, and/or SCI programs Ability to manage large projects or processes that span outside of immediate job area. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and operate as a team member. 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,operatecomputer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute tobuildings Occasionalexposure to dust,fumesand moderate levels of noise. 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 hereITAR Regulations.