Senior RF Design Engineer I​/II - Pipeline

Location

Long Beach, CA

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more, with the goal of opening access to space. Rocket Lab’s Electron and upcoming Neutron vehicles, along with a line of satellites and payloads, support scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change missions, national security, and technological demonstrations.

Senior RF Design Engineer I/II (Senior RF Design Engineer I or Senior RF Design Engineer II)

• Define and maintain RF product requirements specifications.
• Support the development process to ensure design decisions align with required product capabilities.
• Design, prototype, and fabricate RF products, including component selection and PCB layout.
• Develop test plans and procedures.
• Design and develop GSE and production automation.
• Produce product documentation, including ICDs and user manuals.
• Collaborate with Test and Manufacturing Engineers to drive new product introduction.
• Review proposals and requirements to assess compliance with existing capabilities.
• Scope and drive development activities for new requirements.
• Participate in engineering reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers, troubleshooting anomalies.
• Maintain awareness of development and production schedules to support customer and program needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Fundamental RF knowledge: cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS.
• Experience delivering an RF product, including requirement assessment, prototyping, and space‑worthy production.
• Solid understanding of RF communications and navigation systems.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Fundamental RF knowledge: cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS.
• Experience delivering an RF product, including requirement assessment, prototyping, and space‑worthy production.
• Solid understanding of RF communications and navigation systems.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

• Experience in space‑grade board design, parts selection, and performance simulation.
• Experience in circuit analysis (worst‑case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, derating).
• Experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs.
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF systems for launch vehicles or satellites.
• People‑management and incident‑management experience.
• Conflict resolution and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Work at a desk with computer and office equipment for extended periods.
• Use hands with dexterity for controls, tools, and technical equipment.
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens.
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas as needed.
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes.

Rocket Lab offers a competitive total rewards package, including medical (HMO and PPO), dental and vision coverage, a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible‑spending accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Additional perks include employee stock purchase, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, and food and drinks.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. All terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, and compensation, are governed by applicable federal, state, and local laws.