Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab USA

Chantilly, Virginia

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$120,000–$210,000 Per Year

JOB TYPE

Full-time

SKILLS

Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Antenna, Antenna Design, Broadband, Budgeting, Business Development, Climate Change, Communication Skills, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electronics, Geolocation, HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator), Integration Testing, JAM (JYACC Application Manager), Link Performance, MATLAB, Manufacturing, Microwaves, Performance Analysis, Power Amplifier, Product Demonstration, Product Management, Product/Service Launch, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radio Frequency, Regulations, Requirements Management, Requirements Validation/Verification, Satellite Communications, Secret Clearance, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Service Delivery, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Solar Power, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Tactical Communications System, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Time Management, Top Secret Clearance, Transmit/Receive Modules, User Interface Design, Waveforms, Wheel/Front-End Loader

LOCATION

Chantilly, Virginia

POSTED

3 days ago

Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission FormulationRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and 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 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.The Senior RF Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures. You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior RF Engineer I or Senior RF Engineer II level)What You'll Get To Do:Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missionsDevelop and maintain: RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference), payload requirements and verification strategies, simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges), payload integration and test methodsDrive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to: radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection), 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems, passive RF sensing and signals intelligence, resilient and disaggregated payload architecturesLead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documentsAssist with program and product management for payload-focused programsYou'll Bring These Qualifications As Senior RF Engineer I:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systemsExperience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systemsActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibilityYou'll Bring These Qualifications As Senior RF Engineer II:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systemsExperience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systemsActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibilityThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radarActive TS/SCI clearanceDeep understanding of RF payload subsystems including: phased array and reflector antenna design, RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers), transmit/receive modules and beamforming, digital signal processing for radar and communications, frequency planning and spectrum managementExperience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modelingKnowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environmentKnowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environmentUnderstanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniquesFamiliarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategiesExperience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including: anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques, frequency/beam agility, software-defined systems for mission flexibility, and payload hardening for contested/degraded environmentsProficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)Experience with payload integration, test, and calibrationKnowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missionsHighly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teamsThis 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.The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.Base Pay Range (VA Only)$120,000 - $210,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe'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.

Senior RF Systems Engineer - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab USA

Chantilly, Virginia

About the Company

Rocket Lab USA

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