Rocket Lab · 3 hours ago
Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $205K/yr
8+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior RF Payload Formulation Systems Engineer will lead the development of advanced RF payload systems for satellite platforms, focusing on technical innovation in communications and radar applications.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions
Develop and maintain:
RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)
Payload requirements and verification strategies
Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)
Payload integration and test methods
Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to:
Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems
Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence
Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures
Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)
Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents
Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
Active TS/SCI clearance
Preferred
Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including: Phased array and reflector antenna design, RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers), Transmit/receive modules and beamforming, Digital signal processing for radar and communications, Frequency planning and spectrum management
Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modeling
Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques
Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies
Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including: anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques, frequency/beam agility, software-defined systems for mission flexibility, and payload hardening for contested/degraded environments
Proficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)
Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)
Experience with payload integration, test, and calibration
Knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
Highly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teams
Benefits
Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
Dental and vision coverage
3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
11 paid holidays per year
Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Subsidized EV charging stations
Onsite gym
Food and drinks
Other discounts
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
2026-01-23
2026-01-23
Company data provided by crunchbase