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.

Responsibilities

• 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)
• Manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions
• 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

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• As Senior RF Engineer I: 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

Skills

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
• 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
• Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and 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, and 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

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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 insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Pay

Base pay range: $120,000—$210,000 USD

Schedule

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA