Senior RF Radar Engineer I
Rocket Lab Corporation· Aerospace & Defense· Oct 24, 2026 · 3d ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
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.
SENIOR RF RADAR ENGINEER I
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, oversee RF component integration, and support hands-on radar testing and calibration. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
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
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.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Total Compensation (base and equity) $152,275 — $233,675 USD Base Salary $132,000 — $198,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT
We’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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. 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.
Under these Regulations, 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
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