RF Phased Array Engineer I/II
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking an RF Phased Array Engineer to join their Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. This role involves the development of new RF products and systems, including phased arrays, and the assessment of COTS components. The engineer will model and simulate antenna performance, working within a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The position supports end-to-end product development, from architecture design and prototyping to integration, testing, and flight development. Responsibilities include ensuring design decisions align with product needs, collaborating with interdisciplinary engineering teams, supporting the transition from new product introduction to production, interfacing with vendors and customers, and developing test plans and procedures for active antennas. The role also involves designing Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and production automation, and supporting the creation of product documentation. Customer and program support includes assisting with proposals, assessing compliance with requirements, implementing development activities, supporting engineering reviews, and providing technical support for internal/external customers and anomaly troubleshooting. The engineer will also maintain awareness of development and production schedules to meet customer and program needs. This position can be filled at either the RF Phased Array Engineer I or RF Phased Array Engineer II level.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification)
- Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
- A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
- Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
- Ability to obtain TS / SCI
- 2+ years of relevant experience (for RF Phased Array Engineer II)
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
- Support 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
- Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
- Support 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
- Support proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
- Implement 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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
