RF Ground Segment Lead — Space Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking an RF Team Lead for Ground Segment to own and evolve the RF ground infrastructure that powers our launches and space operations. You will lead a hands-on team of engineers and technicians who design, build and maintain global RF ground stations and networks.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Electronics, Communications or RF Engineering and 7+ years of technical and leadership experience, with strong RF design, testing, link

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical/Electronics/Communications/RF Engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years of relevant technical and team lead experience.
• Strong RF communications system design experience (link budgets, modulation and coding).
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers) and system testing.

Responsibilities

• Set direction, coach high performance, and grow capability across a team running critical RF infrastructure.
• Own ground station systems end-to-end: RF performance, network architecture, modems, mission interfaces.
• Drive development, commissioning, and upgrades across a global ground station network.
• Partner with SpaceOps to ensure systems are mission-ready and links perform flawlessly.
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, programs, and external partners to deliver RF ground segment solutions.
• Shape strategy, roadmap new tech, and support business growth with RF expertise.

Skills

RF system design

Link budgets

Modulation & coding

RF testing

VNAs & spectrum analysers

Team leadership

Systems engineering

IP networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics/Communications/RF Engineering

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analysers

LNA

SSPA

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ is seeking an RF Team Lead for Ground Segment to own and evolve the RF ground infrastructure that powers our launches and space operations. You will lead a hands-on team of engineers and technicians who design, build and maintain global RF ground stations and networks.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Electronics, Communications or RF Engineering and 7+ years of technical and leadership experience, with strong RF design, testing, link