RF Phased Array Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

6d•$88,000 - $132,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team develops spacecraft, payloads, and the components and subsystems that support space missions. Based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the RF Phased Array Engineer I develops new RF products and systems, including phased arrays, assesses commercial off-the-shelf components, and models and simulates antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The role requires understanding antennas at both the component and system levels and working in a fast-paced environment. The engineer supports product development from architecture and prototyping through integration, testing, and flight development. The role also supports customer and program requirements, technical reviews, troubleshooting, test planning, production transition, documentation, and coordination with interdisciplinary teams, vendors, and customers. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, or an equivalent qualification.
Fundamental RF knowledge, including link budget analysis and linearity.
Theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling.
Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in space-grade system design.
Extensive experience in analyses such as worst-case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses.
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 resolving conflicts and dealing with difficult people.
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Effective communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships.
Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Support end-to-end product development, including architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight development, ensuring design decisions align with product and system needs.
Model and simulate array performance.
Work with RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineering teams.
Support transition of developments from new product introduction to production.
Interface with vendors and customers.
Develop test plans and procedures for active antenna testing, including EIRP and G/T.
Design and develop ground support equipment (GSE) and production automation.
Support product documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs) and user manuals.
Support proposals and requirements specifications, assessing compliance against existing unit capabilities and development needs.
Implement development activities for new requirements.
Support engineering reviews, including PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs.
Provide technical support to internal and external customers, answer general questions, and troubleshoot anomalies.
Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure customer and program needs are met.

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 coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
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.