RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation — Long Beach, US — cdi

What our tracking knows about this posting

Published on 28 August 2026 · first appeared in our records on 1 September 2026.

Stable posting: first seen on 1 September 2026, with no abnormal reposting.

Advertised salary: 143625 USD.

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<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p> <p>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.</p></div><p><strong>SPACE SYSTEMS</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER I/II</strong></p> <p>Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Phased Array Engineer is responsible for the development of new RF products and systems (including Rocket Lab’s phased arrays) and assessment of COTS components.&nbsp; The RF Phased Array Engineer will model and simulate antenna performance for current programs and proposals.&nbsp; The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of antennas at the component and system level and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.</p> <p><strong>WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:</strong></p> <p><u>Product Development</u></p> <ul> <li>Support end to end efforts including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development – Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product / system needs</li> <li>Model and simulate array performance</li> <li>Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers</li> <li>Support transition developments from new product introduction to production</li> <li>Interface with vendors and customers</li> <li>Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas – included EIRP &amp; G/T</li> <li>Design and development of GSE and production automation</li> <li>Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals</li> </ul> <p><u>Customer/Program Support</u></p> <ul> <li>Support proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs</li> <li>Implement development activities for new requirements</li> <li>Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs</li> <li>Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting</li> <li>Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied</li> </ul> <p><strong>(Note: This position can be filled at an RF Phased Array Engineer I or RF Phased Array Engineer II level.)</strong></p> <p><strong>YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER I:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelors&nbsp;degree in electrical engineering, RF communications&nbsp;(or an equivalent qualification)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components</li> <li>Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling</li> <li>Ability to obtain&nbsp;TS / SCI&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS RF PHASED ARRAY ENGINEER II:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 2+ years of relevant experience&nbsp;</li> <li>Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components</li> <li>Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling</li> <li>Ability to obtain&nbsp;TS / SCI&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Extensive experience in space grade system design</li> <li>Extensive experience in analyses including worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses</li> <li>Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation</li> <li>Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites</li> <li>Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others.</li> <li>Experience leading incident management and investigations.</li> <li>Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people.</li> <li>The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines</li> <li>Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships</li> <li>Project management experience</li> </ul> <p><span data-teams="true"><em>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.</em></span></p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p><em>Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.</em></p> <p><em>Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,&nbsp;<strong>you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package</strong>, 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.</em></p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>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.</em></p></div><div class="title">Total Compensation (base and equity)</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$89,350</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$143,625 USD</span></div></div><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Base Salary</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$82,400</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$126,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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.&nbsp; </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>Important information:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em