Space Radar RF Engineer I/II – SAR & Space Systems

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, seeks an RF Engineer I/II to contribute to radar and RF systems for space-based missions. You will work with senior engineers on SAR payload development, perform analyses, and help test and integrate radar subsystems.

The role requires a foundational knowledge of radar engineering, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft systems, with MATLAB/Python proficiency and US citizenship/clearance eligibility. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced space company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in electrical or aerospace engineering, physics, or related field.
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equation and signal processing concepts.
• Exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing is expected.
• Basic orbital mechanics concepts, including orbit types and ground tracks, are understood.

Responsibilities

• Develop radar and RF subsystems for space-based applications including SAR and related testing.
• Perform analyses and simulations; support mission analysis and ground track visualization.
• Assist in radar design trades, waveform considerations, and RF component selection for space missions.
• Support documentation, test plans, and calibration activities for radar payloads.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate radar systems with spacecraft.

Skills

Radar systems

SAR knowledge

Orbital mechanics

Spacecraft systems

RF engineering fundamentals

MATLAB/Python

U.S. citizenship

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/ aerospace engineering or physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, seeks an RF Engineer I/II to contribute to radar and RF systems for space-based missions. You will work with senior engineers on SAR payload development, perform analyses, and help test and integrate radar subsystems.

The role requires a foundational knowledge of radar engineering, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft systems, with MATLAB/Python proficiency and US citizenship/clearance eligibility. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced space company.