Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Space Systems team at Rocket Lab builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space. The Senior RF Phased Array Engineer, based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, will be the technical lead responsible for the development of new RF products and systems, including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays, and the assessment of COTS components. This role involves modeling and simulating antenna performance for current programs and proposals, requiring a strong understanding of antennas at both the component and system level, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 5+ years of relevant experience.
Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
Experience running modeling and simulation of antenna / phased array performance.
Deep understanding of the effects of interference on the system.
Experience in developing and delivering a RF system, including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space-worthy products.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in space-grade system design.
Extensive experience in 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 mentoring others.
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

Lead end-to-end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development for RF products and systems.
Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product/system needs.
Model and simulate array performance.
Lead efforts alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers.
Transition developments from new product introduction to production.
Interface with vendors and customers.
Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas, including EIRP & G/T.
Design and development of GSE and production automation.
Support the development of product documentation, including ICDs and User Manuals.
Drive 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

Company stock as part of your 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.