Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab Corporation•Chantilly, VA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA, the Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures. You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
Active TS/SCI clearance
Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including: Phased array and reflector antenna design
RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers)
Transmit/receive modules and beamforming
Digital signal processing for radar and communications
Frequency planning and spectrum management
Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modeling
Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques
Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies
Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including: anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques
frequency/beam agility
software-defined systems for mission flexibility
and payload hardening for contested/degraded environments
Proficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)
Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)
Experience with payload integration, test, and calibration
Knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
Highly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teams

Responsibilities

Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions
Develop and maintain: RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)
Payload requirements and verification strategies
Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)
Payload integration and test methods
Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to: Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems
Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence
Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures
Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)
Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents
Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs