RF Engineer II - Radar Verified today

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.

The Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you 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.

What You'll Do

System Development

• Support 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 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 and 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 and Program Support

• Assist in 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

Required Qualifications

• 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 required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

Desirable Qualifications

• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in space-based radar and RF engineering
• Existing security clearance
• Internship or research experience with space-based radar systems or SAR
• Experience with radar simulation tools (STK, MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, etc.) including orbital modeling
• Coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, or astrodynamics
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
• Coursework or projects involving digital signal processing or image processing
• Knowledge of radar imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR) for space platforms
• Experience with phased array antennas or beamforming
• Familiarity with RF design tools (AWR, ADS, CST)
• Understanding of space environment effects on electronics and systems
• Knowledge of launch environments and spacecraft qualification processes
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Experience with version control (Git) and software development practices

Compensation

• Base Salary: $100,800 to $128,520 USD
• Total Compensation (base and equity): $110,875 to $143,625 USD
• Equity: Company stock grant as part of total compensation package; anticipated annual equity grant value designed around function, level, experience, and other factors
• Benefits: Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with 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, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on company merch, and various other employee discounts

Working Conditions

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.