RF Engineer I​/II - Radar

RF Engineer I/II - Radar

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for an RF Engineer I/II – Radar who will support the development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands-on testing and integration activities.

The successful candidate will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Support the development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
• Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools including basic orbital analysis
• Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications
• Perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects
• Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization, access time calculations, and revisit analysis
• Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
• Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
• Help develop technical documentation including test reports, analysis summaries, and ICDs
• Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data handling requirements
• Radar & RF Engineering
• Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications
• Participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests
• Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification
• Assist with radar data collection and post-processing activities
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers
• Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers

Customer/Program Support

• Assist in the review of radar requirements and specifications
• Support proposal development activities with technical analysis and documentation
• Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings
• Provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting
• Track product development schedules and deliverables

You'll Bring These Qualifications As An RF Engineer I:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equation and basic signal processing concepts
• Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
• Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

You'll Bring These Qualifications As An RF Engineer II:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in a relevant field
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equations and basic signal processing concepts
• Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
• Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
• U.S. citizenship is required due to…