RF Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking an RF Radar Engineer I to support development of radar and RF systems, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and space-based radar applications. Based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, this early-career role works with experienced radar engineers on subsystem development, analysis and simulation, and hands-on testing and integration. The position calls for foundational knowledge of radar systems and RF engineering, a basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The engineer will assist with radar system architecture, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight development; perform radar and mission analyses; and support waveform and RF component design decisions. The role also contributes to test planning, calibration, image-quality assessment, technical documentation, component testing, data collection and processing, engineering reviews, proposal work, and program support. The engineer will collaborate with RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft teams and develop space-based radar expertise with mentorship from senior engineers. The role may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers company stock as part of total compensation, along with an Employee Stock Purchase Program, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, paid parental leave, retirement benefits, and additional perks. The California base pay range is $88,000–$132,000 USD; level and pay are determined case by case based on relevant knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field.
Foundational knowledge of radar systems, including radar equations and basic signal-processing concepts.
Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing.
Basic understanding of orbital mechanics, including LEO, MEO, and GEO orbit types, ground tracks, and coverage concepts.
Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads.
Basic understanding of RF systems, including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures.
Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in space-based radar and RF engineering.
Existing security clearance.
Internship or research experience with space-based radar systems or SAR.
Experience with radar simulation tools such as STK or MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, including orbital modeling.
Coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, or astrodynamics.
Hands-on experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers.
Coursework or projects involving digital signal processing or image processing.
Knowledge of radar imaging modes such as stripmap, spotlight, and ScanSAR for space platforms.
Experience with phased-array antennas or beamforming.
Familiarity with RF design tools such as AWR, ADS, and CST.
Understanding of space-environment effects on electronics and systems.
Knowledge of launch environments and spacecraft qualification processes.
Strong interest in space technology and satellite systems.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Experience with version control such as Git and software development practices.

Responsibilities

Support the development of space-based radar systems, including architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight development.
Assist with radar link-budget analysis and performance modeling that considers orbital parameters.
Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools, including basic orbital analysis.
Support design trades for radar waveforms, timing, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and RF component selection for space applications.
Perform radar calculations, including range and Doppler resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects.
Assist with mission analysis, including ground-track visualization, access-time calculations, and revisit analysis.
Help develop test plans and procedures for radar payload testing.
Support radar calibration activities and image-quality assessments.
Develop technical documentation such as test reports, analysis summaries, and interface control documents (ICDs).
Learn spacecraft integration considerations, including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data-handling requirements.
Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications.
Participate in hands-on radar testing, including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests.
Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification.
Assist with radar data collection and post-processing.
Work with multidisciplinary RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineering teams and apply space-based radar best practices under senior-engineer mentorship.
Assist in reviewing radar requirements and specifications and support proposal development with technical analysis and documentation.
Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings, provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting, and track product development schedules and deliverables.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA 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 the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.