RF Ground Segment Lead for Space Missions

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment to own and evolve the ground segment behind our launch and space systems. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, driving design, development, and operation of ground-based RF communications and navigation systems across ground stations and global networks.

You’ll collaborate with SpaceOps and other teams to ensure mission readiness, develop new capabilities, and provide RF subject-matter guidance for end-to-end mission support.

Qualifications

• Proven RF leadership experience with ability to mentor teams under tight timelines.
• Strong fundamentals in RF design: link budgets, cascaded analysis, modulation/coding.
• Experience with RF test and verification (VNAs, spectrum analysers, system-level Testing).
• Knowledge of IP networking and real-world RF system deployment.

Responsibilities

• Set direction, coach performance, and build capability in RF infrastructure team.
• Serve as SME and product owner for ground station systems including RF performance, network architecture, and mission interfaces.
• Lead development, commissioning, and upgrades of ground stations and global networks.
• Partner with SpaceOps to prep for missions, support operations, and ensure readiness.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, program teams, and external ground station providers for end-to-end delivery.
• Support strategic RF projects, roadmaps, and business development with RF expertise.

Skills

RF leadership

RF design fundamentals

RF test & verification

IP networking RF systems

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment to own and evolve the ground segment behind our launch and space systems. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, driving design, development, and operation of ground-based RF communications and navigation systems across ground stations and global networks.

You’ll collaborate with SpaceOps and other teams to ensure mission readiness, develop new capabilities, and provide RF subject-matter guidance for end-to-end mission support.