Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

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.

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 relati

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