About the Job
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our e...
At Rocket Lab, we don’t just launch rockets - we build the systems that connect them to Earth. From mission-critical communications to global ground networks, our RF team keeps every launch and satellite linked, locked, and performing.
We’re looking for an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment to take ownership of the systems that make mission success possible.
Key Responsibilities
This is more than a leadership role - it’s your chance to own and evolve the ground segment behind our launch and space systems.
You’ll lead a tight-knit team of engineers and technicians, driving the design, development, and operation of Rocket Lab’s ground-based RF communications and navigation systems. From ground stations and network architecture to mission readiness and real-time support, you’ll sit at the intersection of engineering excellence and operational delivery.
Expect to move fast, solve hard problems, and make decisions that directly impact missions.
Set direction, coach performance, and build capability in a team responsible for critical RF infrastructure.
Act as the SME and product owner for ground station systems, covering RF performance, network architecture, modems, and mission interfaces.
Drive development, commissioning, and upgrades of ground stations and global networks.
Partner with SpaceOps to prepare for missions, support operations, and ensure systems are ready when it counts.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, and program teams, plus external ground station providers, to deliver end-to-end solutions.
Contribute to strategic projects, roadmap new capabilities, and support business development with RF expertise.
Required Skills & Abilities
Proven RF leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and engage teams while consistently delivering under fast-paced, high-pressure timelines.
Strong fundamentals in RF design: link budgets, cascaded analysis, modulation/coding.
Experience with RF test and verification (VNAs, spectrum analysers, system-level testing).
Solid systems engineering mindset - requirements, validation, documentation.
Knowledge of IP networking and real-world RF system deployment.
Python or LabVIEW for test automation
Networking certifications (e.g. CCNA)
Familiarity with CCSDS standards or frequency licensing
Work on systems that directly support real missions to space
Lead a team with meaningful ownership and autonomy
Be part of a company that moves fast and builds what others only design
Tackle complex, high-impact engineering challenges every day
If you’re ready to lead from the front and build the RF backbone of space missions, we want to hear from you.
