Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR RF PAYLOAD FORMULATION SYSTEMS ENGINEER I/II – SECRET CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures. You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.

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

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions

• Develop and maintain:

• RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)

• Payload requirements and verification strategies

• Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)

• Payload integration and test methods

• Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to:

• Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)

• 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems

• Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence

• Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures

• Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)

• Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents

• Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems

• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems

• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems

• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems

• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including:

• Phased array and reflector antenna design

• RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers)

• Transmit/receive modules and beamforming

• Digital signal processing for radar and communications

• Frequency planning and spectrum management

• Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modeling

• Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment

• Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment

• Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques

• Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies

• Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including:

• anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques

• frequency/beam agility

• software-defined systems for mission flexibility

• and payload hardening for contested/degraded environments

• Proficiency with RF analysis tools (S

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