Rocket Lab→
RF Engineer I at Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA
Job Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
RF RADAR ENGINEER I
Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a RF Radar Engineer I who will support the development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands-on testing and integration activities. The successful candidate will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
System Development Support
- Support the development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
- Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
- Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools including basic orbital analysis
- Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications
- Perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects
- Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization, access time calculations, and revisit analysis
- Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
- Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
- Help develop technical documentation including test reports, analysis summaries, and ICDs
- Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data handling requirements
- Radar & RF Engineering
- Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications
- Participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests
- Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification
- Assist with radar data collection and post-processing activities
- Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers
- Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers
Customer/Program Support
- Assist in the review of radar requirements and specifications
- Support proposal development activities with technical analysis and documentation
- Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings
- Provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting
- Track product development schedules and deliverables
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF RADAR ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
- Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equations and basic signal processing concepts
- Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
- Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
- Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
- Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in space-based radar and RF engineering
- Existing security clearance
- Internship or research experience with space-based radar systems or SAR
- Experience with radar simulation tools (STK, MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, etc.) including orbital modeling
- Coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, or astrodynamics
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
- Coursework or projects involving digital signal processing or image processing
- Knowledge of radar imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR) for space platforms
- Experience with phased array antennas or beamforming
- Familiarity with RF design tools (AWR, ADS, CST)
- Understanding of space environment effects on electronics and systems
- Knowledge of launch environments and spacecraft qualification processes
- Strong interest in space technology and satellite systems
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Experience with version control (Git) and software development practices
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.