Rocket Lab · 2 weeks ago
Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$170K/yr - $230K/yr
8+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior RF Systems Engineer II / Principal RF Systems Engineer will support the development of new RF products, including components and systems, and will be responsible for payload and TT&C subsystems along with hands-on RF payload testing.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Define and maintain requirements specifications
Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals
Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
Complete analyses in support of design needs
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
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience
Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection
End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support
Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 12+ years of relevant experience
Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection
End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support
Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
Preferred
Existing TS / SCI clearance
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 relationships
Project management experience
Benefits
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
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Subsidized EV charging stations
Onsite gym
Food and drinks
Other discounts
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
2026-01-09
Company data provided by crunchbase