Space RF Engineer I/II: Radar & SAR Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks an RF Engineer I/II to support radar and RF system development for space-based missions, including SAR. You will work with experienced engineers on architecture, simulations, testing, and integration, with opportunities to grow into senior roles.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in EE/AE/physics, foundational radar knowledge, SAR exposure, orbital mechanics basics, and MATLAB/Python proficiency; U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI eligibility required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equation and basic signal processing concepts
• Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
• Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

Responsibilities

• Support space-based radar system development from architecture to flight development
• Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
• Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools
• Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF, and RF components
• Perform radar calculations including range, Doppler, SNR, and coverage
• Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization and revisit analysis
• Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
• Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
• Help develop technical documentation including test reports and analysis
• Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets and data handling
• Radar & RF engineering tasks and space-based radar system best practices under mentorship
• Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based missions
• Participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests
• Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification
• Assist with radar data collection and post-processing
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers
• Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers

Skills

Radar systems knowledge

RF engineering basics

Orbital mechanics basics

Spacecraft systems awareness

MATLAB

Python

U.S. citizenship

TS/SCI clearance

SAR systems exposure

Orbital analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Phased Array Toolbox

Python

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks an RF Engineer I/II to support radar and RF system development for space-based missions, including SAR. You will work with experienced engineers on architecture, simulations, testing, and integration, with opportunities to grow into senior roles.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in EE/AE/physics, foundational radar knowledge, SAR exposure, orbital mechanics basics, and MATLAB/Python proficiency; U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI eligibility required.