Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance

Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA, the Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures.

You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Senior RF Engineer I or Senior RF Engineer II level)

• Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions
  • RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)
  • Payload requirements and verification strategies
  • Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)
  • Payload integration and test methods
• Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to
  • Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)
  • 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems
  • Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence
  • Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures
• Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C/DH)
• Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents
• Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including
  • Phased array and reflector antenna design
  • RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers)
  • Transmit/receive modules and beamforming
  • Digital signal processing for radar and communications
  • Frequency planning and spectrum management
• Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modeling
• Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
• Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
• Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques
• Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies
• Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including
  • anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques
  • frequency/beam agility
  • software-defined systems for mission flexibility
  • and payload hardening for contested/degraded environments
• Proficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)
• Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)
• Experience with payload integration, test, and calibration
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
• Highly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teams

• 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

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…