Senior RF Systems Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

4h • $140,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer I/II who will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products including components and systems. You will develop the payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
(Note: This position can be filled at a Senior RF Systems Engineer I or a Senior RF Systems Engineer II level.)

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 5+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
• Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection.
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, producing space worthy products, and mission support.
• Detailed knowledge in the areas of satellite operations, RF licensing and ground station networks will have been obtained and demonstrated.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Existing TS / SCI clearance
• 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

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals
• Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
• Complete analyses in support of design needs
• Support the development of test plans and procedures
• Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
• Review 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

• 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: Mid Level