Principal IT Engineer at Rocket Lab USA Inc.

Position Principal IT Engineer
Posted 14 Jun 2026
Expired 14 Jul 2026
Company Rocket Lab USA Inc.
Location Auckland | NZ
Job Type Full Time

Job Description:

Latest job information from Rocket Lab USA Inc. for the position of Principal IT Engineer. If the Principal IT Engineer vacancy in Auckland matches your qualifications, please submit your latest application or CV directly through the updated Jobkos job portal.

Please note that applying for a job may not always be easy, as new candidates must meet certain qualifications and requirements set by the company. We hope the career opportunity at Rocket Lab USA Inc. for the position of Principal IT Engineer below matches your qualifications.

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. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Role Overview

We are hiring an IT Project Manager in Auckland, New Zealand for a 12‑month fixed‑term payroll implementation and other strategic initiatives across the region.

What You'll Get To Do
  • Implement our new payroll system (ADP) to streamline processes and improve payroll accuracy
  • Develop project charters, timelines, resource plans, and risk assessments
  • Deliver projects on time, on scope, and on budget
  • Lead cross‑functional teams to execute plans and achieve objectives
  • Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions
  • Coordinate internal resources and manage external vendors
  • Maintain stakeholder alignment and executive communication
  • Manage scope changes using verification techniques and change control
  • Track performance using PM tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Confluence, JIRA)
  • Report status regularly and escalate issues appropriately
  • Drive risk management and maintain RAID logs
You’ll Bring These Qualifications
  • 8+ years of proven project management experience, including large‑scale enterprise system implementations
  • Demonstrated experience leading ADP or payroll implementations or rollouts
  • Strong leadership and organizational change management experience
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (12+ years of related professional experience)
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to address project challenges
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
  • PMP or similar project management certification
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑tech manufacturing environments
  • Experience with enterprise project/program management
  • Expertise in multiple project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid approaches)
Additional Requirements
  • Ability to sit for extended periods and operate computer, keyboard, and office equipment
  • Clear vision for reading documents, viewing computer screens, and distinguishing details at varying distances
  • Ability to professionally communicate verbally and in writing with team members, management, and external stakeholders
  • Mobility to move between buildings, attend meetings, and access different work areas
  • Occasional exposure to manufacturing environments with moderate noise levels, dust, and fumes
Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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.

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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Job Info:

  • Company: Rocket Lab USA Inc.
  • Position: Principal IT Engineer
  • Work Location: Auckland
  • Country: NZ

How to Submit an Application:

After reading and understanding the criteria and minimum qualification requirements explained in the job information Principal IT Engineer at the office Auckland above, immediately complete the job application files such as a job application letter, CV, photocopy of diploma, transcript, and other supplements as explained above. Submit via the Next Page link below.

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