Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I Pipeline

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Digital Payload Engineer for a future opening on its Space Systems team, based onsite at its global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role develops digital payload products such as modems, processors, and network routers, taking designs from initial concept through in-flight operations, including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. The position combines RF engineering, system design, and board and circuit design in a fast-paced environment. The engineer defines product requirements, architects and prototypes digital products, supports testing and production readiness, and works with customers and internal program teams. The role also supports product documentation, New Product Introduction, technical reviews, requirement changes, and troubleshooting. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or another engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in space electronics.
Technical expertise in high-speed serial interfaces such as SPI, PCIe, and Ethernet, as well as systems on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing.
Experience developing and delivering a digital product, including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space-worthy products.
Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing algorithms and communication theory.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Deep experience with various modems and familiarity with current modem components.
Extensive experience in space-grade board design, including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits.
Extensive experience in circuit analyses, including timing analysis and physical constraints.
Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation.
Demonstrated code design for reusability, maintainability, and scalability.
Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites.
Experience leading incident management and investigations.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Effective communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships.
Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain requirements specifications.
Architect digital product designs.
Support the development process and ensure key design decisions and developments align with required product capabilities.
Design and prototype digital products, including component selection and PCB layout, fabrication, and packaging.
Support the development of test plans and procedures.
Support the design and development of GSE and production automation.
Support product documentation development, including ICDs and user manuals.
Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction.
Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance against existing unit capabilities and development needs.
Scope and drive 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 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.