RF Phased Array Engineer II

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team builds 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 develops new RF products and systems, including phased arrays, assesses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and models and simulates antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The role calls for a strong understanding of antennas at both component and system levels and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The engineer supports product development from architecture design and prototyping through integration, testing, and flight development, while ensuring design decisions align with product and system needs. The position also supports customer and program work, including proposals, requirements assessment, engineering reviews, customer support, and troubleshooting. The role 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.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
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 with 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.
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.
Ensure design decisions and developments align with product and system needs.
Model and simulate array performance.
Work with interdisciplinary RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineering teams.
Support the 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 development of product documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs) and user manuals.
Support proposals and requirements specifications by 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, including answering questions and troubleshooting anomalies.
Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules to help satisfy customer and program needs.

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 significant 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.