Senior Space Radar & RF Engineer

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Employee Stock Purchase Program

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior RF Radar Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA. You will lead space-based radar development, define performance requirements, and oversee integration with spacecraft subsystems. The role combines RF engineering with spacecraft knowledge in a fast-paced environment.

You will work with multi-disciplinary teams on radar waveform design, testing, and mission operations while supporting proposals and customer engagements. A DoD TS/SCI clearance and U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in radar/RF engineering for space applications.
• Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems including integration and mission operations.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including impact on radar performance.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and RF chain design.
• Proficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software.
• Experience delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space missions.
• U.S. citizenship is required and ability to obtain DoD TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development.
• Define radar performance requirements and link budgets accounting for orbital parameters.
• Conduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection and processing architectures.
• Drive decisions for radar modes, timing, and RF chain design.
• Develop radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems.
• Support spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams.

Skills

Radar systems

RF engineering

Orbital mechanics

Spacecraft systems

Link budgets

DoD TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering

Tools

MATLAB

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior RF Radar Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA. You will lead space-based radar development, define performance requirements, and oversee integration with spacecraft subsystems. The role combines RF engineering with spacecraft knowledge in a fast-paced environment.

You will work with multi-disciplinary teams on radar waveform design, testing, and mission operations while supporting proposals and customer engagements. A DoD TS/SCI clearance and U.S.