RF Systems Engineer I/II - TS/SCI Pipeline

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.

RF Systems Engineer I/II - TS/SCI Pipeline

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for an RF Systems Engineer I/II for a future opening who will be responsible for supporting the development and test of new communication systems for various programs. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• System Development
• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
• Support the development of test plans and procedures
• Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
• Customer/Program Support
• Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
• Scope and drive 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

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree)
• Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Experience in developing and delivering an RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space-worthy products
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Existing TS/SCI clearance
• Familiarity with space-grade system design
• Familiarity working in cross-functional teams
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Willingness to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs

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.