Personnel Security (PERSEC) Lead

About The Role

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the enterprise-wide Personnel Security program, ensuring compliance with 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and all applicable DoD and Intelligence Community requirements.
• Oversee end-to-end clearance processing, including initial investigations, periodic reinvestigations, Continuous Vetting updates, upgrades, SCI nominations, polygraph coordination, as well as briefings and debriefings.
• Serve as the primary interface with DCSA, DoD, and IC PERSEC representatives for all clearance-related matters.
• Ensure accurate and timely submissions and management within DISS, NBIS, and other government systems of record.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, SOPs, and metrics to ensure audit readiness and continuous compliance under the company’s FCL, 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and all applicable DoD and Intelligence Community requirements.
• Lead adverse information reporting, incident management, and coordination with Insider Threat, Legal, and HR to ensure proper handling and mitigation.
• Partner with Leadership and Talent Acquisition to forecast clearance demand, reduce processing cycle times, and align personnel security actions with business growth objectives.
• Provide subject matter expertise to senior leadership regarding clearance strategy, eligibility risk, and program impact to contracts and revenue.
• Train managers and employees on clearance responsibilities, reporting obligations, and security best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in security management, business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Industrial Security with significant focus on Personnel Security (PERSEC).
• Deep working knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) requirements, DISS, NBIS, TALON, and related DoD/IC systems.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with a current SSBI and must maintain an active Top Secret SCI clearance with polygraph as required by program sponsor(s).
• Domestic travel may be required (25%).

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.