Senior Technical Payroll Analyst II

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. 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. 

IT

Rocket Lab’s IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.

SENIOR TECHNICAL PAYROLL ANALYST II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Technical Payroll Analyst II will help optimize payroll processes for our domestic and international workforce. This role is pivotal in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and seamless technical integrations across systems, including APIs. While this position does not involve direct payroll processing, it provides essential support to payroll teams and operations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Workforce Manager, and Workday, along with a proven ability to support payroll operations for mid-to-large companies. A strong understanding of SQL, API integrations, and people operations, benefits, finance, and accounting will be critical to success in this role.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as technical support for ADP Workforce Now and ADP Workforce Manager.
• Manage user access, security roles, permission structures, and assistance requests within ADP Workforce Now to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
• Document technical payroll processes, procedures, log files, and change controls in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Participate in change management processes, including testing system configurations and auditing pre/post-deployment system changes to ensure compliance with federal and statutory payroll requirements.
• Design, create, and run custom and ad-hoc reports in ADP; analyze payroll data for accuracy and trends using SQL.
• Develop, test, and maintain integrations between ADP, Workday, and other systems; troubleshoot and resolve integration errors, with a strong focus on API development and management.
• Support end-to-end payroll operations for domestic and international employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Participate in payroll module implementations, system upgrades, and special projects, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Collaborate with ADP and third-party payroll vendors to manage service tickets, resolve issues, and evaluate new systems or partners.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years of total work experience).
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Workforce Manager, and technical expertise with HCM systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, UKG) and integrations.
• Strong knowledge and experience with SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• Proven experience with API development and troubleshooting for system integrations.
• Proven experience with global payroll operations, tax filings, and multi-currency processing.
• Knowledge of SOX compliance, creating custom reports in ADP, and supporting internal and external audits.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot integration issues, manage vendor relationships, and support payroll system implementations and upgrades.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Expertise in Workday integrations.
• Experience with Flexspring integrations.
• Proficiency in developing and configuring APIs.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or relevant Workday certifications.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., Jira).
• Experience with other HRIS, payroll, or ADP platforms (e.g., Lyric, Celergo, GlobalView).

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.

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$124,500—$145,000 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.