RF Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation

11 paid holidays

HSAs & accounts

401(k) match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite gym

Snacks and beverages

Merchandise discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking an RF Radar Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA. You will support the development of space-based radar systems, SAR and related subsystems, working with a team of engineers to design, simulate, test, and integrate radar payloads for space applications.

Responsibilities include architecture design, link-budget analysis, MATLAB/Python simulations, and hands-on testing. Qualifications cover radar knowledge, orbital mechanics basics, and spacecraft awareness; US

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering, physics, or related field.
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems, including radar equations and signal processing.
• Exposure to SAR systems or space-based radar, or remote sensing.
• Basic orbital mechanics understanding (LEO/MEO/GEO) and ground tracks.
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft subsystems and payloads.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for analysis and simulation.
• U.S. citizenship required for program work and TS/SCI eligibility.
• Ability to obtain required clearances.

Responsibilities

• Develop space-based radar system architecture, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight development.
• Conduct radar link-budget analysis and performance modeling with orbital parameters.
• Run radar system simulations using MATLAB or Python and orbital analysis tools.
• Assist in radar design trades for waveforms and RF components for space tasks.
• Perform radar calculations for range, Doppler, SNR, and coverage.
• Support mission analysis including ground track visualization and revisit analysis.
• Develop radar test plans and procedures for payload testing.
• Assist with radar calibration and image quality assessments.
• Create technical documentation like test reports and ICDs.
• Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power and thermal interfaces.

Skills

Radar systems knowledge

SAR / space-based radar exposure

Orbital mechanics basics

RF engineering fundamentals

MATLAB / Python proficiency

Spacecraft systems awareness

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK / Phased Array Toolbox

RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, etc.)

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

RF RADAR ENGINEER I

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a RF Radar Engineer I who will support the development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands‑on testing and integration activities. The successful candidate will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

System Development Support

• Support the development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
• Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools including basic orbital analysis
• Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications
• Perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects
• Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization, access time calculations, and revisit analysis
• Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
• Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
• Help develop technical documentation including test reports, analysis summaries, and ICDs
• Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data handling requirements
• Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications
• Participate in hands‑on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests
• Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification
• Assist with radar data collection and post‑processing activities
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers
• Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers

Customer/Program Support

• Assist in the review of radar requirements and specifications
• Support proposal development activities with technical analysis and documentation
• Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings
• Provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting
• Track product development schedules and deliverables

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF RADAR ENGINEER I

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equations and basic signal processing concepts
• Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
• Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in space‑based radar and RF engineering
• Existing security clearance
• Internship or research experience with space‑based radar systems or SAR
• Experience with radar simulation tools (STK, MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, etc.) including orbital modeling
• Coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, or astrodynamics
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
• Coursework or projects involving digital signal processing or image processing
• Knowledge of radar imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR) for space platforms
• Experience with phased array antennas or beamforming
• Familiarity with RF design tools (AWR, ADS, CST)
• Understanding of space environment effects on electronics and systems
• Knowledge of launch environments and spacecraft qualification processes
• Strong interest in space technology and satellite systems
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Experience with version control (Git) and software development practices

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$88,000 - $132,000 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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.