Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer II Pipeline Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will be responsible for the development of new digital payload products including modems, processors, and network routers. You will take the design from initial concept through inflight operations including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. You will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What You'll Do

Product Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Architect the digital product design
• Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
• Design and prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout, fabrication, and packaging
• 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
• Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction

Customer and 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 and 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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
• Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
• Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with latest modem components
• Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed signal circuits
• Extensive experience in circuit analyses including timing analysis and physical constraints
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation; demonstrated code design for re-usability, maintainability, and scalability
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $145,000 to $210,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top tier medical HMO, PPO and 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, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status.

Working Conditions

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.