Team Lead - Radio Frequency Engineer (Ground Segment) Verified today
About the role
You'll own and evolve the RF ground segment powering Rocket Lab's launch and space operations. Lead a hands-on team of engineers and technicians who design, build, and operate global RF communications and navigation systems. You'll sit at the intersection of engineering precision and mission urgency, where your decisions matter immediately.
What you'll do
- Set direction and grow capability across a team running critical RF infrastructure
- Own ground station systems end-to-end: RF performance, network architecture, modems, mission interfaces
- Drive development, commissioning, and upgrades across a global ground station network
- Partner with SpaceOps to ensure every system is mission-ready and every link performs flawlessly
- Collaborate across engineering, operations, programs, and external partners to deliver seamless ground segment solutions
- Shape strategy, roadmap new technology, and support business growth with RF expertise
You'll bring
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Communications Engineering, RF Engineering, or equivalent
- 7+ years of relevant technical and team lead experience
- Strong RF communications system design experience: cascaded device analysis, link budgets, modulation and coding selection
- Strong RF test experience using RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers) at unit level (e.g. LNA, SSPA) and full system testing
- Proven experience leading RF teams in fast-moving environments, mentoring, motivating, and delivering under pressure
- A systems engineering mindset: requirements, validation, documentation, operational readiness
- Practical knowledge of IP networking and real-world RF deployment
Bonus points
- Python or LabVIEW for test automation
- Networking certifications (e.g., CCNA)
- Familiarity with CCSDS standards or frequency licensing
Important information
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. 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 (ITAR).
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.