Senior RF Systems Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Systems Engineer I for a future opening at their global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will be responsible for supporting the development of new RF products, including components and systems. The engineer will develop payload and TT&C subsystems and support hands-on RF payload testing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and system test experience and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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

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