Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I​/II Pipeline

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, satellite design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. The company’s Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is actively developing Neutron, a medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle, and its Space Systems business designs and builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon, Mars, national security, and scientific exploration.

Location:

Long Beach, CA (on‑site at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters)

Senior Digital Payload Engineers will lead the design of digital payload products—including modems, processors, and network routers—from concept through inflight operations. The role requires a blend of RF engineering, system design, and board‑level circuit development, thriving in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

• Product Development – define and maintain requirements specifications; architect digital product design; prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout, fabrication, and packaging; develop test plans and procedures; design GSE and production automation; produce product documentation (ICDs and user manuals); liaise with Test and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction; review proposals and specifications to assess compliance; scope and drive development activities for new requirements;
  
  support engineering reviews (PDRs, CDRs, TRRs); provide technical support to internal/external customers and troubleshoot anomalies; maintain awareness of product development and production schedules.
• Customer/Program Support – review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities versus development needs; maintain broad awareness of customer and program schedules to ensure satisfaction.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high‑speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), SoCs, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing.
• Experience developing and delivering a digital product, including requirement assessment, prototype engineering models, and production of space‑worthy products.
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing algorithms and communication theory.
• U.S. citizenship required.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high‑speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), SoCs, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing.
• Experience developing and delivering a digital product, including requirement assessment, prototype engineering models, and production of space‑worthy products.
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing algorithms and communication theory.
• U.S. citizenship required.

• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Deep experience in modem design and familiarity with latest modem components.
• Extensive experience in space‑grade board design, part selection, and performance simulation for high‑speed digital and mixed‑signal circuits.
• Extensive experience in circuit analyses, including timing analysis and physical constraints.
• Experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and producing associated documentation.
• Demonstrated code design for re‑usability, maintainability, and scalability.
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites.
• Experience leading incident management and investigations.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships.
• Project management experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $130,000–$190,000 USD. The base salary is…