Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, 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 TS/SCI clearance

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
• 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees