Senior RF Radar Engineer I

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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 the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR RF RADAR ENGINEER I

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Engineer II - Radar/RF who will be responsible for the technical development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will drive radar system architecture, oversee RF component integration, and support hands-on radar testing and calibration. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

System Development

• Lead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Define and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications accounting for orbital parameters
• Conduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms
• Drive key technical decisions for radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design considering orbit dynamics
• Complete radar analyses including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity analysis, interference assessment, and orbital effects on performance
• Analyze mission requirements including orbit selection, ground track patterns, and revisit characteristics
• Develop and execute radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems
• Support the development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems
• Lead the design and development of radar GSE including calibration sources and test fixtures
• Support spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams (power, thermal, ADCS, data handling)
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs, test reports, and User Manuals

Radar & RF Engineering

• Design and analyze radar waveforms for various space-based imaging and detection applications
• Perform radar system modeling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom codes including orbital propagation
• Assess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit/receive chains
• Support hands-on radar testing including EIRP measurements, receiver sensitivity, etc.
• Interface with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers

Customer/Program Support

• Review proposals and requirements specifications for space-based radar payload opportunities
• Scope and drive development activities for new radar capabilities
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal/external customers including radar performance troubleshooting
• Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field 
• 5+ years of relevant experience 
• Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems including system integration and mission operations, including imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including how orbit parameters affect radar performance
• Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, thermal, ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design
• Strong radar system knowledge including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis
• Experience developing and delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space applications
• Proficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software
• Experience with radar testing including range measurements and RF performance characterization
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Existing DoD TS/SCI clearance
• Extensive experience in space-grade radar system design and environmental testing
• Knowledge of advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry) for space platforms

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,  you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$152,275—$233,675 USD

Base Salary

$132,000—$198,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT  

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on ziprecruiter.com dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.