Senior RF Systems Engineer - TS/SCI

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER I/II – TS/SCI

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior RF Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting the development of new RF products and systems including Rocket Lab’s radio product line and TT&C systems for various programs.  You will develop the TT&C subsystem as well as support 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

System Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications.
• 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.

Customer/Program Support

• 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.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior RF Systems Engineer I or Senior RF Systems Engineer II level)  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) 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 in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
• Active TS / SCI clearance.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or other engineering degree) 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 in developing and delivering a RF system including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
• Active TS / SCI clearance.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE 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.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Project management experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs.