Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I

About the role

The Senior RF Phased Array Engineer is the technical lead responsible for the development of new RF products and systems (including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays) and assessment of COTS components. The role involves modeling and simulating antenna performance for current programs and proposals, with a strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level. The position thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Ensure key design decisions and developments align with product/system needs
• Model and simulate array performance
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams 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 and G/T
• Design and develop GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
• 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 customer and program needs are met

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or equivalent qualification)
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna/phased array performance
• Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system
• Experience in developing and delivering an RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space-worthy products

Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• 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 stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

Physical Requirements

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.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and company stock as part of total compensation
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock
• Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and zero-cost HDHP with significant HSA company contribution)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• Paid parental leave, disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships
• Complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise
• Variety of other employee discounts

Pay

Total Compensation (base and equity): $144,275 USD – $206,175 USD
Base Salary: $124,000 USD – $170,500 USD