Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I Pipeline

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental & Vision

401(k) matching

Paid vacation & sick leave

Company equity

EV charging onsite

Onsite gym

Stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA's Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Digital Payload Engineer I to lead the development of digital payload products, including modems and processors, from concept through inflight operations.

The role blends RF engineering, system design, and board-level work in a fast-paced environment, contributing to spacecraft hardware, production automation, and key program milestones with customer impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline.
• 5+ years in space electronics with high-speed interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), SoCs, microcontrollers, and DSP.
• Knowledge of DSP algorithms and communication theory.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain requirements specifications for digital payload products.
• Architect the digital product design and ensure alignment with program needs.
• Support development processes and key design decisions for product capabilities.
• Design and prototype the digital product including PCB layout and fabrication.
• Develop test plans and procedures for verification and validation.
• Support GSE and production automation development.
• Create product documentation including ICDs and user manuals.
• Collaborate with Test and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction.
• Review proposals and requirements to assess compliance with existing capabilities.
• Scope and drive development activities for new requirements.
• Support engineering reviews (PDRs, CDRs, TRRs) and customer troubleshooting.
• Maintain awareness of schedules to meet customer and program needs.

Skills

High-speed interfaces

System on Chips (SoCs)

Microcontrollers

Digital signal processing

DSP algorithms

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

PCB design software

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 to 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.

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 DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I PIPELINE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Digital Payload Engineer I for a future opening who will be responsible for the development of new digital payload products including modems, processors, and network routers. The Senior Digital Payload Engineer will take the design from initial concept through inflight operations including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Product Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Architect the digital product design
• Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
• Design and prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging
• 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
• Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
• Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
• Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with latest modem components
• Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed signal circuits
• Extensive experience in circuit analyses including timing analysis and physical constraints
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation; demonstrated code design for re-usability, maintainability, and scalability
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

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.

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$130,000 — $170,000 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.

Important information:

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.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.