Rocket Lab

RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab$82K — $126K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or RF communications (or equivalent)
  • Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
  • Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
  • Ability to obtain TS / SCI
  • 2+ years of relevant experience for RF Phased Array Engineer II role
  • Extensive experience in space grade system design (preferred)
  • Effective communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Support end-to-end product development from design to flight
  • Model and simulate antenna array performance
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary engineering team
  • Facilitate transition from new product introduction to production
  • Interface with vendors and customers
  • Develop test plans and procedures for active antennas
  • Provide technical support for internal and external customers

Benefits

  • Company stock options as part of total compensation
  • Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount
  • Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
  • Paid parental leave and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers
Full Job Description
RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER I/II

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Phased Array Engineer is responsible for the development of new RF products and systems (including Rocket Lab's phased arrays) and assessment of COTS components. The RF Phased Array Engineer will model and simulate antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Product Development
  • Support end to end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development - Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product / system needs
  • Model and simulate array performance
  • Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
  • Support transition developments from new product introduction to production
  • Interface with vendors and customers
  • Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas - included EIRP & G/T
  • Design and development of GSE and production automation
  • Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals

Customer/Program Support
  • Support proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
  • Implement 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

(Note: This position can be filled at an RF Phased Array Engineer I or RF Phased Array Engineer II level.)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification)
  • Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
  • Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
  • Ability to obtain TS / SCI

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER II:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 2+ years of relevant experience
  • Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
  • Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
  • Ability to obtain TS / SCI

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$89,350-$143,625 USD

Base Salary

$82,400-$126,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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