Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

Job Overview

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, earth observation, climate change, national security, and technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Summary

As a Senior RF Phased Array Engineer based in Long Beach, CA, you will serve as the technical lead for the development of new RF products and systems – including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays – and for the assessment of COTS components. You will model and simulate antenna performance for current programs and proposals and work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Lead end‑to‑end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development – ensuring key design decisions and developments align with product/system needs.
• Model and simulate array performance.
• Lead interdisciplinary work with 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 develop GSE and production automation.
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals.

Customer / Program Support

• 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 and external customers, including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting.
• Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure customer and program needs are satisfied.

Qualifications

Senior RF Phased Array Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or equivalent) 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 an RF system, including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space‑worthy products.

Senior RF Phased Array Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or equivalent) and 8+ 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 an RF system, including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space‑worthy products.

Nice to Have

• 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.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $124,000 – $189,000 USD.

Benefits include: medical (HMO, PPO, 100% HSA), dental, vision, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, stock purchase program, discounted EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other perks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.