Job Details

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more to open access space. Our Space Systems team designs and builds satellites, payloads, and subsystems for missions to the Moon, Mars, and other space endeavors, partnered with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

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
• 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

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
• Ability to account for ITU constraints such as 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 clearance

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
• Experience mentoring others and leading incident management
• Strong communication skills and ability to build cross-functional relationships
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Additional Requirements

• Vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception; ability to focus
• Regularly sit, operate a computer, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate noise

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $140,000 - $200,000 USD

Base salary is one component of our total rewards package, which may include company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, retirement plan with company match, and other perks.

What to Expect

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, driven by hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering results under pressure. We value collaboration and practical problem solving.