Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab Corporation

Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission Formulation

Chantilly, VA · Senior

No sponsorship$120k-$210kDetected 1 day ago
TypeScriptPythonMATLABBusiness DevelopmentEMI/EMCSystems EngineeringAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringSignal ProcessingRF EngineeringSensors5G/LTECommunicationCollaboration

About the role

  • Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.
  • 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.
  • You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Responsibilities

  • Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to:
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
  • Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
  • 8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
  • Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

Nice to have

  • Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 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

Compensation

  • $120,000 - $210,000 USD
  • 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.

Benefits

  • Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)

Equal opportunity

  • Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • citizen, lawful U
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This listing is sourced directly from Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.