RF Phased Array Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab  · Long Beach, CA  · Jul 14, 2026

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. 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. 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. 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. The RF Phased Array Engineer will model and simulate antenna performance for current programs and proposals. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of antennas at...

Responsibilities:
Product Development
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
Model and simulate array performance
Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers
Support transition developments from new product introduction to production
Interface with vendors and customers
Develop test plans and procedures for testing active antennas – included EIRP & G/T
Design and development of GSE and production automation
Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
Customer/Program Support
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
(Note: This position can be filled at an RF Phased Array Engineer I or RF Phased Array Engineer II level.)
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification)
Fundamental RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
Basic knowledge of antenna and array modeling
Ability to obtain TS / SCI
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications (or an equivalent qualification) and 2+ years of relevant experience
Extensive experience in space grade system design
Extensive experience in analyses including worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses
Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
Clearance Required: TS/SCI
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Company
Rocket Lab
Location
Long Beach, CA
More jobs in Long Beach
Job Type
Full-time
Category
RF / Microwave
Posted
Jul 14, 2026
Source
Original posting ↗