Lead RF Engineer, Ground Segment (Space)

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Python scripting

CCNA

ITAR familiarity

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment. The role focuses on owning and evolving the RF ground segment that powers launch and space operations, leading a hands-on team of engineers and technicians who design, build, and operate global RF communications and navigation systems.

Ground stations, network architecture, and real-time mission support are core focus areas. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in RF engineering with team leadership, strong RF design

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant technical and team lead experience.
• Strong RF communications system design experience (link budgets, cascaded analysis, modulation and coding).
• Experience using RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers) at unit and system level.
• Proven experience leading RF teams in fast-moving environments.
• Solid RF fundamentals, link budgets, cascaded analysis, modulation/coding.
• Networking certifications (e.g., CCNA) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own RF ground segment systems end-to-end: RF performance, network architecture, modems, mission interfaces.
• Drive development, commissioning, and upgrades across a global ground station network.
• Set direction, coach high performance, and grow capability across the team.

Skills

RF design

Team leadership

Link budgets

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Systems engineering

IP networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CCNA

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment. The role focuses on owning and evolving the RF ground segment that powers launch and space operations, leading a hands-on team of engineers and technicians who design, build, and operate global RF communications and navigation systems.

Ground stations, network architecture, and real-time mission support are core focus areas. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in RF engineering with team leadership, strong RF design