Rocket Lab

Senior RF Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab$145K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF communications or related field with 8+ years of experience.
  • Strong RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
  • Practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems.
  • Ability to consider ITU constraints like PFD limits and DSN protection.
  • Experience in developing multiple RF systems from requirement assessment to mission support.
  • Knowledge of satellite operations, RF licensing, and ground station networks.
  • U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Define and maintain requirements specifications for RF systems.
  • Conduct payload design trades for new business proposals.
  • Drive the development process with key design decisions.
  • Complete analyses to support design needs.
  • Develop test plans and procedures for RF payload validation.
  • Support design and development of ground support equipment and automation.
  • Create and maintain product documentation including ICDs and user manuals.

Benefits

  • Top tier medical options (HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored HSA plan)
  • Dental and vision coverage.
  • 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
  • 11 paid holidays annually.
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance.
  • Life insurance and 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Employee stock purchase program and subsidized EV charging stations.
Full Job Description
SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II PIPELINE

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer II for a future opening who will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop the payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

System Development
  • Define and maintain requirements specifications
  • Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals
  • Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
  • Complete analyses in support of design needs
  • 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

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:
  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
  • A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
  • Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection.
  • End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support.
  • Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated.
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
  • Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Existing TS / SCI clearance
  • 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)

$145,000-$210,000 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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