Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer II Pipeline

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...

SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER II PIPELINE

Product Development
Define and maintain requirements specifications
Architect the digital product design
Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
Design and prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging
Support the development of test plans and procedures
Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction

Customer/Program Support
Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
Scope and drive development activities for new requirements
Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
8+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with latest modem components
Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed signal circuits
Extensive experience in circuit analyses including timing analysis and physical constraints
Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation; demonstrated code design for re-usability, maintainability, and scalability
Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
Experience leading incident management and investigations
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
Project management experience

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO