Job Details

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to payloads and components, enabling missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Our work supports missions to the Moon and Mars and includes 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 components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, national security, and defense initiatives.

RF Systems Manager

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Systems Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development and execution of new RF systems alongside the RF Systems team. The RF Systems Manager will work closely with new business and RF products to review the payload and TT&C subsystems needs of current and future programs. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and people development skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Define appropriate engineering processes for new RF communications systems including activities, milestones and engineering reviews, ensuring general compliance with best practice systems engineering process
• Support the development and maintenance of program schedules
• Task, support and monitor engineers throughout the engineering process
• Ensure engineering process and associated documentation products are traceable from requirements through design, implementation and verification

System Development

• Define and maintain requirements specifications
• Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals and early stage programs
• Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades
• Complete analyses in support of design needs
• Review and approve the development of test plans and procedures
• Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals

Customer/Program Support

• Liaise with suppliers to ensure deliveries are per program requirements and schedules, and with appropriate supporting data
• Liaise with RL ground segment engineers to ensure appropriate provisions are made for missions
• Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
• Scope and drive development activities for new requirements
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
• Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

Team Building

• Grow a team of 3-4 engineers for RF systems development and execution

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications or other engineering degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity.
• A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
• Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection.
• End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements decomposition, system design, procurement, integration, and test (including in-orbit support).
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
• Ability to obtain TS / SCI

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others
• Experience leading incident management and investigations
• Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

Base salary and benefits: Base Pay Range (CA Only) $140,000 — $200,000 USD. Base salary is part of total rewards including equity, benefits, and other programs. Eligibility for benefits may vary by status; please check with your recruiter for the available list of benefits.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, with a culture of hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. We pride ourselves on teamwork and delivering under pressure.

FOR CANDIDATES seeking to work in US offices only:

To conform to ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations. Equal employment opportunities policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the provided resource. For US-based roles this may involve accessibility support; for other regions, local processes apply. Information on ITAR and applicable regulations is provided by the company.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be undertaken prior to offers to ensure eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.