Rocket Lab USA
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
Rocket Lab USA, Long Beach, California, us, 90899
Overview
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The goal is to open access to space. Our Space Systems team builds spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
role supports the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop the payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, thriving in a fast-paced environment. What you'll get to do
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 questions and anomaly troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to satisfy customer and program needs This position can be filled at a Senior RF Systems Engineer II or a Principal RF Systems Engineer level. Qualifications – Senior RF Systems Engineer II
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or related) and 8+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity Strong understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components Ability to account for ITU constraints (e.g., PFD limits and DSN protection) End-to-end experience developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements assessment, prototyping, space-worthy products, and mission support Knowledge of satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance Qualifications – Principal RF Systems Engineer
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or related) and 12+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity Strong understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components Ability to account for ITU constraints (e.g., PFD limits and DSN protection) End-to-end experience developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements assessment, prototyping, space-worthy products, and mission support Knowledge of satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance Nice to have
Existing TS / SCI clearance Experience in space-grade system design and analyses (worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, derating) Experience leading complex engineering programs and developing related documentation Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF systems for launch vehicles or satellites Mentoring and incident management experience Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Project management experience Additional requirements
Vision requirements, computer use, and manual dexterity as described by the job Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs Note: Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of total rewards including equity and a comprehensive benefits package. Details vary by location and status. Eligibility for benefits may vary. Please consult the recruiter for a comprehensive list of benefits for this role. What to expect
We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. We value hard work, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and delivering under pressure with tight deadlines. For candidates seeking to work in US offices only: ITAR compliance applies. Rocket Lab requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee status, asylum status, or eligibility to obtain required authorizations. EEO statement: Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Benefits and pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $170,000 — $230,000 USD Additional compensation and benefits include a robust package described with eligibility varying by status.
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Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The goal is to open access to space. Our Space Systems team builds spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
role supports the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop the payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, thriving in a fast-paced environment. What you'll get to do
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 questions and anomaly troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to satisfy customer and program needs This position can be filled at a Senior RF Systems Engineer II or a Principal RF Systems Engineer level. Qualifications – Senior RF Systems Engineer II
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or related) and 8+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity Strong understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components Ability to account for ITU constraints (e.g., PFD limits and DSN protection) End-to-end experience developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements assessment, prototyping, space-worthy products, and mission support Knowledge of satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance Qualifications – Principal RF Systems Engineer
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or related) and 12+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity Strong understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components Ability to account for ITU constraints (e.g., PFD limits and DSN protection) End-to-end experience developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements assessment, prototyping, space-worthy products, and mission support Knowledge of satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance Nice to have
Existing TS / SCI clearance Experience in space-grade system design and analyses (worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, derating) Experience leading complex engineering programs and developing related documentation Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF systems for launch vehicles or satellites Mentoring and incident management experience Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Project management experience Additional requirements
Vision requirements, computer use, and manual dexterity as described by the job Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs Note: Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of total rewards including equity and a comprehensive benefits package. Details vary by location and status. Eligibility for benefits may vary. Please consult the recruiter for a comprehensive list of benefits for this role. What to expect
We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. We value hard work, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and delivering under pressure with tight deadlines. For candidates seeking to work in US offices only: ITAR compliance applies. Rocket Lab requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee status, asylum status, or eligibility to obtain required authorizations. EEO statement: Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Benefits and pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $170,000 — $230,000 USD Additional compensation and benefits include a robust package described with eligibility varying by status.
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