Senior RF Design Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA•Long Beach, CA

51d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. We are currently seeking a Senior RF Design Engineer I/II based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The Senior RF Design Engineer will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including Rocket Lab's radio product line alongside the radio development team. The Senior RF Design Engineer will design and simulate RF products including the Frontier-Lite Radio. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This position can be filled at a Senior RF Design Engineer I or a Senior RF Design Engineer II level.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 5+ years of relevant experience
U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Fundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS
Experience in developing and delivering a RF product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation
Extensive experience in circuit 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 people management.
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

Define and maintain requirements specifications
Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
Design and prototype the RF product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging
Support the development of test plans and procedures
Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
Support the development of product documentation 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 based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
Scope and drive 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

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

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