Senior RF Design Engineer II - Pipeline

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 DESIGN ENGINEER II

We are currently seeking a Senior RF Design Engineer II based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The Senior RF Design Engineer will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including Rocket Lab’s radio product line alongside the radio development team. The Senior RF Design Engineer will design and simulate RF products including the Frontier-Lite Radio. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Product Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications

• Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities

• Design and prototype the RF product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging

• 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

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 FOR A SENIOR RF DESIGN ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience

• Fundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS

• Experience in developing and delivering a RF product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.

• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components

• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements

• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation

• Extensive experience in circuit 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 people management.

• 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

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to…