Senior RF Systems Engineer I 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. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing.

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 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, RF communications, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of relevant RF engineering experience
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Ability to account for ITU constraints such as PFD limits and DSN protection
• End-to-end experience developing and delivering multiple RF systems: assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space-worthy products, and mission support
• Detailed knowledge in satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

Desired Qualifications

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

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $130,000 to $170,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: medical HMO, PPO and 100% company-sponsored HSA 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, 401(k) with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility 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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.