Rocket Lab

Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I/II Pipeline

Rocket Lab$130K — $190K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field.
  • 5-7 years of experience in space electronics, focusing on high speed serial interfaces and DSP.
  • Proven track record in developing and delivering space-worthy digital products.
  • Strong knowledge of DSP algorithms and communication theory.
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Define and maintain product specifications and requirements.
  • Architect and design digital products, including PCB layout and fabrication.
  • Support product development processes and ensure alignment with capabilities.
  • Develop test plans, procedures, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with Test and Manufacturing Engineers for New Product Introduction.
  • Review proposals and assess compliance based on unit capabilities.
  • Provide technical support for customers and troubleshoot anomalies.

Benefits

  • Company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, with top tier medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave annually.
  • 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Access to 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program and subsidized EV charging stations.
Full Job Description
SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I/II PIPELINE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Digital Payload Engineer I/II for a future opening who will be responsible for the development of new digital payload products including modems, processors, and network routers. The Senior Digital Payload Engineer will take the design from initial concept through inflight operations including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Product Development
  • Define and maintain requirements specifications
  • Architect the digital product design
  • Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
  • Design and prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging
  • 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
  • Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction

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

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Digital Payload Engineer I or Senior Digital Payload Engineer II level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
  • Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products
  • Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER II:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
  • Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
  • Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
  • Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with latest modem components
  • Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed signal circuits
  • Extensive experience in circuit analyses including timing analysis and physical constraints
  • Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation; demonstrated code design for re-usability, maintainability, and scalability
  • Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
  • Experience leading incident management and investigations
  • 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.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$130,000-$190,000 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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