Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I

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

• Product Development: Lead 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
• Lead efforts alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
• 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
• Customer/Program Support: Drive 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 an equivalent qualification) and 5+ 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
• Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system
• Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna / phased array performance
• Experience in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space-worthy products

What You'll Bring

• Strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Desired 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

Benefits

• 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 insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Pay and Schedule

• Base salary range: $130,000 USD - $170,000 USD

Schedule

• Full-time