RF Engineer I/II - Radar

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 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 subsyst...

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

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
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
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO