Senior Network Design Engineer I​/II Pipeline

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 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 and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new 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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Network Design Engineer I/II for a future opening who will be responsible for the space system network architecture design. The Senior Network Design Engineer will provide payload solutions to a variety of space missions including 5G NTN and D2D connectivity. The successful candidate will have had designed and delivered various types of payload solutions, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Architecture Definition – Drive the design and development of various payload architectures based on proposal and mission planning
• Capability Definitions - Scope and drive development activities for new products. Define use cases and requirements flow down for product development
• Requirements Verification – Collaborate with design and test engineers to ensure all requirements are met
• End to End Execution – Lead and manage payload design for initial concept to in-orbit operations
• Cross Disciplinary Coordination – Act as the primary contact between business development, engineering, manufacturing, vendors, and customers

Please note:

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

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in space system network architecture
• Deep understanding of 5G NTN core integration, backhaul and D2D connectivity design, and/or edge computing for CU/DU functional split
• Demonstrated experience in using scripting language in a relevant context (Python, C#, C++)
• Experience working with a variety of customers including commercial, civil, and military in developing mission solutions
• U.S citizenship required due to program requirements

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience in space system network architecture
• Deep understanding of 5G NTN core integration, backhaul and D2D…