Senior RF Radar Engineer I

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, separati...

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 Develop...

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, overs...

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

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
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO