Principal RF Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

7d•$173,300 - $231,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to be the technical lead for the development of new RF products and systems, including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays, and assessment of COTS components. This role involves modeling and simulating antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of antennas at both the component and system level and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The position is based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 8+ years of relevant experience
Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna / phased array performance.
Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system.
Experience in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead end to end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development – Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product / system needs
Model and simulate array performance
Lead efforts along side an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
Transition developments from new product introduction to production
Interface with vendors and customers
Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas – included EIRP & G/T
Design and development of GSE and production automation
Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
Drive 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

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation package
Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution)
Dental and vision coverage
Paid vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Subsidized EV charging
Onsite fitness centers (where available)
Discounted gym memberships
Complimentary snacks and beverages
50% employee discount on our popular merch store
Variety of other employee discounts