Rocket Lab
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
Rocket Lab, Long Beach, California, us, 90899
Overview
Long Beach, CA 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 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. Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Space Systems
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
is responsible for supporting 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, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic 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 general questions and anomaly troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied 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 Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 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 Principal RF Systems Engineer Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 12+ 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 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 people The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships Additional requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs Compensation
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $170,000 - $230,000 USD What to expect
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. US office eligibility
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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Long Beach, CA 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 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. Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Space Systems
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
is responsible for supporting 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, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic 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 general questions and anomaly troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied 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 Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 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 Principal RF Systems Engineer Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 12+ 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 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 people The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships Additional requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs Compensation
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $170,000 - $230,000 USD What to expect
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. US office eligibility
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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