Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture
• Develop RF link budgets, performance analyses, and payload requirements
• Perform simulations for antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, and detection ranges
• Drive technical development of radar systems, 5G NTN, and broadband communications
• Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems
• Develop interface specifications, CONOPS, and technical design documents

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems (8+ years for Level II)
• Experience in satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering or aerospace engineering
• Deep understanding of phased array antennas, RF front-end architectures, and beamforming
• Proficiency with RF analysis tools such as STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, or CST
• Experience with radar processing techniques like SAR, MTI, or STAP
• Knowledge of 5G NTN standards and tactical communication systems
• Understanding of electronic protection and resilient RF architectures

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more.