Contractor Program Security Officer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM SECURITY OFFICER (CPSO)

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) is responsible for developing, implementing, supervising, and maintaining program security for selected Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) programs. You will serve as the primary contractor security point of contact for your assigned programs, partnering with the Government Program Security Officer (GPSO), the Corporate FSO/CPSO, and the site security team to keep program operations compliant. You will produce deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, customers, and investors. You will support programmatic activities for classified launch campaigns and classified payload and space vehicle development. You will address program security requirements across all security disciplines, including physical, information, personnel, operations security (OPSEC), and launch integration security.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as CPSO for assigned programs, acting as the primary liaison to the Government Program Security Officer (GPSO) on all program security matters.
• Manage and administer program security for assigned programs in compliance with DoDM 5205.07, 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and other applicable government security directives. Enforce compliance with ICD and DoDM policy for Collateral, SCI, and SAP management within your programs.
• Author, implement, support, and enforce comprehensive security plans that protect classified and unclassified hardware, Launch Vehicles, and Space Vehicles during manufacture, movement, transportation, integration, and launch. These plans include Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Program Protection Plans (PPP), Construction Security Plans (CSP), and Fixed Facility Checklists (FFC).
• Maintain the accreditation and compliance of program-specific SAPFs, SCIFs, and closed areas in accordance with ICD 705 and applicable DoW standards. Coordinate with the site FSO, facilities, vendors, and government customers on the construction, modification, and accreditation of program spaces.
• Conduct physical security surveys and risk assessments, and implement countermeasures to protect personnel, facilities, and classified assets.
• Define the physical security requirements for assigned program areas and coordinate with the site security team on access control, intrusion detection, and container and combination management.
• Lead preparation for and support of government program security inspections, and support DCSA security reviews as they relate to assigned programs.
• Conduct administrative inquiries into security incidents and non-compliance, and report incidents, adverse information, and suspicious contacts as they relate to the assigned programs.
• Execute an ongoing facility and program-specific security education and training program, including initial, refresher, insider threat, and derivative classification training.
• Execute the security self-inspection program and the actions required to correct deficiencies and improve the overall security posture across each program area of responsibility.
• Perform personnel security (PERSEC) functions, including nomination interviews, validation of access requirements, submission of investigative requests and nomination packages, indoctrinations, and debriefings. Ensure personnel security records within your cognizance are accurately maintained in both internal and official government systems of record (SOR), such as DISS, NBIS, JADE, and TALON/SCT.
• Coordinate with the FSO and Insider Threat Program on reporting requirements for program-briefed personnel, including foreign travel, foreign contacts, and adverse information.
• Process program visit requests and support classified meetings.
• Properly account for, control, package, transmit, destroy, and safeguard classified assets and COMSEC.
• Perform courier duties and other security-related travel as needed.
• Review and generate DD Form 254s and provide guidance on flow-down security requirements.
• Provide indirect supervision and training of less experienced security staff members.
• Support Business Development by providing security requirements and estimating security support for proposals.
• Respond to alarms and other emergencies after business hours, including nights and weekends.
• Perform other security-related duties as assigned or required by program needs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with a current Tier 5 investigation (formerly SSBI) and must maintain an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsor(s).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), SAP, SCI, and related security regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 5+ years of related work experience or have completed equivalent education, certification, and work experience.
• Must be located within (or relocate to) a 60 minute commute of the facility and be able to respond to and investigate after-hour alarms or on-call assignments when necessary.
• 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:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate on significant matters with senior level leaders, internal and external personnel, and customers.
• Self-driven and results-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks concurrently while presenting sound, decisive, risk-managed security recommendations in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigation, including compliance with mitigation agreements and associated plans such as Technology Control Plans (TCP), Electronic Communications Plans (ECP), and Annual Implementation Reports.
• Experience with systems of record such as DISS, NBIS, NISS, TALON/SCT, SIMS, JADE, etc.
• Experience as titled COMSEC account manager.
• Experience developing and executing program protection strategies for existing and developing NISP, SAR, and/or SCI programs.
• Experience with SCIF/SAPF construction and the ICD 705 Technical Specification.
• Experience with access control and intrusion detection system platforms.
• Ability to manage large projects or processes that span outside of immediate job area.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$88,000 - $110,000 USD

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 here ITAR Regulations.