Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer TSSCI Clearance

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 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 rockethas 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 were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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 TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Labs 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.

WHAT YOULL 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors 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 TS/SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in electrical engineering aerospace engineering or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems electromagnetics or radar
• 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 (STK MATLAB Python HFSS CST)
• Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power thermal pointing EMI/EMC)
• Experience with payload integration test and calibration
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
• Highly effective technical communication skills with customers payload suppliers and internal teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 Johnson at 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 hereITAR Regulations.