RF Engineer I/II - Radar

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.

RF ENGINEER I/II - RADAR

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a RF Engineer I/II – Radar who 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.

The successful candidate will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the RF Engineer I or RF Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

System Development Support

Support the 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 the 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 & 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/Program Support

Assist in the 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF ENGINEER I

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field

Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equation 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 is required due to program requirements

Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF ENGINEER II

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 is required due to program requirements

Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

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

Strong interest in space technology and satellite systems

Ability to work independently and take initiative

Experience with version control (Git) and software development practices

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.