Rocket Lab

Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab$124K — $189K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or RF communications and 5-8 years of relevant experience depending on the level.
  • Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
  • Thorough understanding of RF communications and navigation systems.
  • Proficient in modeling and simulating antenna/phased array performance.
  • Insight into the effects of interference on systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end product development efforts from design to flight.
  • Model and simulate performance of RF phased arrays.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers.
  • Transition product developments from introduction to production.
  • Interface with vendors and customers to fulfill project requirements.
  • Create test plans and procedures for active antennas testing.
  • Assist in the development of product documentation and manuals.

Benefits

  • 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option alongside standard medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Three weeks of paid vacation and five days of sick leave yearly.
  • Eleven paid holidays per year.
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance provided.
  • Access to a 401(k) plan with company match and employee stock purchase program for investment opportunities.
Full Job Description
RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER SENIOR I/II

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior RF Phased Array Engineer is the technical lead responsible for the development of new RF products and systems (including Rocket Lab's phased arrays) and assessment of COTS components. The Senior 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
  • Lead 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
  • Lead efforts along side an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
  • 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
  • Drive 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 5+ 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
  • Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna / phased array performance.
  • Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system
  • Experience in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER II:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 8+ 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
  • Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna / phased array performance.
  • Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system.
  • Experience in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.

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.

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)

$124,000-$189,000 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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