RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

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.

About the Space Systems team

Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives, and has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

About the role

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Phased Array Engineer is responsible for the development of new RF products and systems (including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays) and assessment of COTS components. The role includes modeling and simulating antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What You'll Get To Do

• Support end-to-end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product/system needs
• Model and simulate array performance
• Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
• Support transition developments from new product introduction to production
• Interface with vendors and customers
• Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas, including EIRP & G/T
• Design and development of GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
• Support proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
• Implement development activities for new requirements
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
• Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

Qualifications

RF Phased Array Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification)
• Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI

RF Phased Array Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 2+ years of relevant experience
• Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Extensive experience in space-grade system design
• Extensive experience in analyses including worst-case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

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.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay with company stock as part of total compensation
• 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
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Subsidized EV charging
• Onsite fitness centers (where available)
• Discounted gym memberships
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• 50% employee discount on the company merch store
• Variety of other employee discounts

Pay

Total Compensation (base and equity): $89,350 USD – $143,625 USD

Base Salary: $82,400 USD – $126,000 USD

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