RF Phased Array Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected and protected, and that help expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company moves fast, builds real hardware for meaningful missions, and works to make the impossible routine.

Space Systems

The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components and subsystems that let them operate in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The team has supported more than 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. Its work includes spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

RF Phased Array Engineer I

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Phased Array Engineer develops new RF products and systems, including Rocket Lab's phased arrays, and assesses COTS components. The role models and simulates antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level and works well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What You'll Do

Product Development

• Support end-to-end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development, and make sure key design decisions align with product and system needs
• Model and simulate array performance
• Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
• Support transition from new product introduction to production
• Interface with vendors and customers
• Develop test plans and procedures for active antennas, including EIRP and G/T
• Design and develop GSE and production automation
• Support product documentation, including ICDs and user manuals

Customer and Program Support

• Support proposals and requirements specifications by assessing compliance against existing unit capabilities and development needs
• Implement development activities for new requirements
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers, including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
• Keep broad awareness of product development and production schedules so customer and program needs are met

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or RF communications (or an equivalent qualification)
• Fundamental RF knowledge, including link budget analysis and linearity, plus a solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
• Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance

Nice to Have

• Extensive experience in space-grade system design
• Extensive experience in worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing related 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
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Project management experience

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, plus occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation

Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay plus company stock as part of total compensation. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock, medical plans (HMO, PPO, and an HDHP option with HSA contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, snacks and beverages, and a 50% employee discount on the merch store.

Level and base salary are set case by case, based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.