Senior RF Systems Engineer

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior RF Systems Engineer I to develop RF modules and components for spacecraft.

You will oversee the production lifecycle from development to deployment and launch, focusing on S-band and X-band RF systems used in TT&C for LEO, lunar, and interplanetary missions. You will define system requirements, monitor progress, participate in design decisions, document development plans, and coordinate with test and manufacturing engineers to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree plus two years RF systems experience.
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communication systems.
• Experience with test plans, operation manuals, and system designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF modules and components for spacecraft.
• Oversee production life cycle from development to launch.
• Define RF system requirements and monitor design progress.
• Coordinate with test and manufacturing engineers on design decisions.
• Support design reviews and provide technical support.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Electrical design engineering

Link budget analysis

RF test equipment

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Vector network analyzers

Signal generators

Python

Job description

Senior RF Systems Engineer I sought by Rocket Lab USA, Inc. in Long Beach, CA

Duties: Develop new radiofrequency (RF) modules and components. Oversee the production life cycle from development to finalization and launch of spacecraft. Develop S-band and X-band radar Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) RF systems that will be implemented in the spacecraft for low earth orbit, lunar, and interplanetary missions. Define RF system requirements and specifications, monitor the development process, aid in key design decisions, and ensure that the RF telemetry, tracking and command systems fully integrate into overall space vehicle design. Document component-specific development plans, including Interface Control Documents and User Manuals. Coordinate with test engineers and manufacturing engineers to drive innovative design and engineering applications. Review RF systems’ proposals and requirements/specifications to ensure compliance with the industry RF manufacturing standards. Support engineering reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and Test Readiness Reviews. Provide technical support to internal and external partners.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field plus two (2) years of Radiofrequency Systems Engineering, Electrical Design Engineering, or related experience: designing, integrating, and testing RF communication systems; performing cascaded device and link budget analysis; defining and maintaining system requirements and specifications; generating compliance matrices based on proposals and requirements; developing RF components and systems to support communication, navigation, and radar functions; utilizing RF test equipment, including network spectrum, and signal analyzers; performing qualification and acceptance testing; designing and integrating satellite simulators; documenting test plans, operation manuals, and system designs; and utilizing tools and technologies including signal generators, vector network analyzers, and Python.

Salary: $111,718.40/year