Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance
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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, 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. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team 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.
Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer I/II – SECRET CLEARANCE
Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures.
You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior RF Engineer I or Senior RF Engineer II level)
What You'll Get To Do
Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions.
Develop and maintain:
RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)
Payload requirements and verification strategies
Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)
Payload integration and test methods
Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to:
Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems
Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence
Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures
Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)
Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents
Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs
Qualifications
As Senior Rf Engineer i
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
As Senior Rf Engineer Ii
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
Active TS/SCI clearance
Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including:
Phased array and reflector antenna design
RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers)
Transmit/receive modules and beamforming
Digital signal processing for radar and communications
Frequency planning and spectrum management
Performance modeling
Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques
Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies
Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including:
Anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques
Frequency/beam agility
Software-defined systems for mission flexibility
Payload hardening for contested/degraded environments
Proficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)
Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)
Experience with payload integration, test, and calibration
Understanding of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
Highly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teams
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.