RF Systems Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II
Based out of Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, California, the RF Systems Engineer I/II is responsible for supporting the development of new RF products, and for owning the RF products across their product life cycle. This includes S- and X-band TT&C systems used onboard our Photon spacecraft for LEO, lunar and interplanetary missions. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering and Systems Engineering skills, will have experience in related projects, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
WHAT YOU WILL GET TO DO:
Product Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Monitor the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
• 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

Production Support

• Liaise with material planners to ensure component inventory meets aggregate customer program demand, and that supply chain risks are minimized
• Create production orders per customer requirements
• Support Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers across the production process
• Review and sign-off on End Item Data Packages and unit delivery

Customer/Program Support

• Review proposals and requirements specifications to generate compliance matrices
• Work with Development Engineers to scope development activities
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal/external customers
• Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications or similar and 2+ years' of experience in the design, integration and testing of RF communications systems
• Fundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis and link budget analysis
• Experience using RF test equipment including network, spectrum and signal analyzers
• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB
• Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiarity with environmental performance standards such as GSFC-STD-7000 and MIL-STD-461
• Experience performing qualification and acceptance testing
• Systems and project engineering experience
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$85,000 - $130,900 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT
We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.