Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I Pipeline

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 scientific exploration, Earth observation, missions to combat climate change, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Digital Payload Engineer I for a future opening. This role involves developing new digital payload products, including modems, processors, and network routers. The Senior Digital Payload Engineer will take designs from initial concept through inflight operations, including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. The ideal candidate will have expertise in RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design, thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Product Development
  • Define and maintain requirements specifications
  • Architect the digital product design
  • Support the development process, ensuring alignment with product capabilities
  • Design and prototype digital products, including component selection and PCB layout/fabrication/packaging
  • 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
  • Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction
• Customer/Program Support
  • Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance
  • 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 anomaly troubleshooting
  • Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules to meet customer needs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in space electronics with expertise in high-speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
• Experience developing and delivering digital products, including assessing requirements, prototyping, and producing space-worthy products
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
• Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with the latest modem components
• Extensive experience in space-grade board design, including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits
• Extensive experience in circuit analyses, including timing analysis and physical constraints
• Experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing reusable, maintainable, and scalable documentation/code
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills and ability to build working relationships
• Project management experience

Work Environment

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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $130,000 USD - $170,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Company equity
• Top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and 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 and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks
• Other discounts

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.