Senior RF Systems Engineer II Pipeline

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior RF Systems Engineer II to support developing new RF products, payloads, and TT&C subsystems. You will conduct hands-on RF payload testing and contribute to fast-paced, mission-focused programs.

The role requires a strong RF engineering background, system design capability, and the ability to work across proposals, trades, and testing. U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI clearance are prerequisites.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements and ability to obtain TS / SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain requirements specifications.
• Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals.
• Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades.
• Complete analyses in support of design needs.
• 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.

Skills

RF Engineering

System Design

Test & Validation

Space Systems

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

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 RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II PIPELINE

Based at Rocket Lab\'s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer II for a future opening who will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop the payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU\'LL GET TO DO:

System Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals
• Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
• Complete analyses in support of design needs
• 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

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 SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
• Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection.
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support.
• Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Existing TS / SCI clearance
• Extensive experience in space grade system design
• Extensive experience in analyses including worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$145,000 — $210,000 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.