IT Specialist in Alameda, California at Longshot Space

Longshot Space Technologies is at the cutting edge of low-cost space access and hypersonics. We are developing a novel space launch system that accelerates mass over a long distance. Using our technology, we plan to provide affordable launch services for satellites, cargo, and future space infrastructure. Our mission is to enable a future where humans can reach for the stars.

Position Overview

We are looking for an IT Specialist to design, build, deploy, and maintain the systems that support an engineering, prototyping, and production aerospace startup. You will manage day-to-day technology operations for our engineering, technician, and operations teams while building the compliant, scalable infrastructure we need as we transition to full-scale engineering and manufacturing.

This is an individual contributor role on a small team at the start of an ambitious 12 to 18 month growth plan. You will work across mixed operating systems, including some proprietary tools. You will both improve what exists today and help set the direction for the company's IT infrastructure going forward.

You will be successful here if you have a high sense of ownership, an eagerness to learn, and a genuine appetite for interesting problems.

Job Details

Role Type: Full-time, Exempt  

Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 annual salary 

Location: Onsite in Alameda, CA 

Key Responsibilities

• Design, secure, and harden our network, and manage it day to day

• Build and deploy IT systems that are reliable on day one and straightforward to scale

• Provide hands-on IT support and manage the help desk ticket queue

• Automate routine IT tasks with scripts in PowerShell and Python

• Identify, triage, and remediate issues using logs and other diagnostic data

• Implement CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance initiatives

• Own our database and hardware infrastructure, including day-to-day operations and resiliency

• Administer and improve our SSO and identity systems

• Deploy and manage internal AI tools

• Handle user onboarding and offboarding

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience

• 3 to 5+ years in IT support, help desk, or desktop support

• Proficiency with Windows, Linux, and virtualization

• Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, and peripheral equipment

• Advanced understanding of networking fundamentals: DNS, DHCP, VPN, Wi-Fi

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills

• Mission driven, collaborative, and focused on outcomes

• Eagerness to learn and grow

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a regulated environment such as aerospace, defense, or manufacturing

• Advanced knowledge of Windows (desktop and server) and Linux (server and workstation)

• Corporate networking experience with Cisco or similar, including firewalls, RADIUS, and advanced gateway, router, and switch configuration

• Experience deploying, managing, and automating cloud services such as Microsoft GCC High or Amazon Bedrock

• Scripting experience beyond PowerShell and Python, such as Go or Bash

• Experience building or maintaining high-security enclaves and air-gapped systems. Work on CUI or Secret-rated systems, including SCIFs, is a strong plus

• Hands-on experience standing up SSO or other identity and authentication systems

• Familiarity with AI tools in a production environment

• Experience at an early-stage startup

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and paid sick leave

• Equity opportunities

• Professional development opportunities

• 90-day integration period

Equal Employment Opportunity

Longshot Space Technologies Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, physical or mental disability, reproductive health decision making, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. 

ITAR Compliance

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Longshot is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.