Senior RF Radar Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

4d•$151,500 - $252,500•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Radar Engineer II to lead technical development of radar and RF systems, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and other space-based radar applications. Based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, this role combines radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience in a fast-paced environment. The engineer will drive radar system architecture, RF component integration, hands-on testing and calibration, and development of radar capabilities for space platforms. The role also supports spacecraft integration, customer and program needs, engineering reviews, and product documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
At least 8 years of relevant experience.
Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems, including system integration and mission operations, imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment.
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, including the effects of orbit parameters on radar performance.
Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, and ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design.
Strong radar systems knowledge, including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing.
Theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems, including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis.
Experience developing and delivering radar/RF systems for space applications from requirements through testing.
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.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and environmental conditions, which may include prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead development of space-based radar systems through architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight development.
Define and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications that account for orbital parameters.
Conduct radar payload design trades, including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms.
Drive technical decisions on radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design with consideration of orbital dynamics.
Analyze range and Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity, interference, and the effects of orbital conditions on performance.
Analyze mission requirements, including orbit selection, ground-track patterns, and revisit characteristics.
Develop calibration strategies and image-quality validation methods for spaceborne systems.
Support development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems.
Lead design and development of radar ground support equipment, including calibration sources and test fixtures.
Support spacecraft integration and coordinate interfaces with power, thermal, ADCS, and data-handling teams.
Contribute product documentation, including ICDs, test reports, and user manuals.
Design and analyze radar waveforms for space-based imaging and detection applications.
Model and simulate radar systems using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom code, including orbital propagation.
Assess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit and receive chains.
Support hands-on radar testing, including EIRP measurements and receiver-sensitivity measurements.
Work with RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineering teams.
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 and external customers, including troubleshooting radar performance.
Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA 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 the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.