Senior RF Systems Engineer I/II

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

• System Development
• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals
• Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
• Complete analyses in support of design needs
• 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
• Customer/Program Support
• Review 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

• Senior RF Systems Engineer I:
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree)
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support
• Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
• Senior RF Systems Engineer II:
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree)
• 8+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support
• Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Existing TS / SCI clearance
• 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
• Designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others
• Leading incident management and investigations
• 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

Additional Requirements

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas

Pay and Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $141,800 USD - $189,000 USD

Other benefits include:

• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• O onsite gym
• Food and drinks
• Other discounts

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including:

• 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

Important Information For Candidates Seeking To Work In Us Offices Only:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.