Senior RF Engineer II - Radar

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Engineer II - Radar to join their Space Systems team at their global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role is responsible for the technical development of radar and RF systems, specifically focusing on SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. The engineer will lead radar system architecture, oversee RF component integration, and conduct hands-on radar testing and calibration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will be adept at working in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
8+ years of relevant experience
Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems including system integration and mission operations, including imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including how orbit parameters affect radar performance
Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, thermal, ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design
Strong radar system knowledge including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing
Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis
Experience developing and delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space applications
Proficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software
Experience with radar testing including range measurements and RF performance characterization
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance

Nice To Haves

Existing DoD TS/SCI clearance
Extensive experience in space-grade radar system design and environmental testing
Knowledge of advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry) for space platforms

Responsibilities

Lead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development.
Define and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications accounting for orbital parameters.
Conduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms.
Drive key technical decisions for radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design considering orbit dynamics.
Complete radar analyses including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity analysis, interference assessment, and orbital effects on performance.
Analyze mission requirements including orbit selection, ground track patterns, and revisit characteristics.
Develop and execute radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems.
Support the development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems.
Lead the design and development of radar GSE including calibration sources and test fixtures.
Support spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams (power, thermal, ADCS, data handling).
Support the development of product documentation including ICDs, test reports, and User Manuals.
Design and analyze radar waveforms for various space-based imaging and detection applications.
Perform radar system modeling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom codes including orbital propagation.
Assess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit/receive chains.
Support hands-on radar testing including EIRP measurements, receiver sensitivity, etc.
Interface with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers.
Review proposals and requirements specifications for space-based radar payload opportunities.
Scope and drive development activities for new radar capabilities.
Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs.
Provide technical support to internal/external customers including radar performance troubleshooting.
Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation package
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