RF Engineer I

Rocket Lab  · Long Beach, CA  · Oct 28, 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, we are looking for a RF Radar Engineer I who will support the development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands-on testing and integration activities. The successful candidate...

Responsibilities:
• System Development Support
• Support the development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
• Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
• Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools including basic orbital analysis
• Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications
• Perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects
• Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization, access time calculations, and revisit analysis
• Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
• Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
• Help develop technical documentation including test reports, analysis summaries, and ICDs
• Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data handling requirements
• Radar & RF Engineering
Requirements:
• Support proposal development activities with technical analysis and documentation
• Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings
• Provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting
• Track product development schedules and deliverables
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
• Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equations and basic signal processing concepts
• Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
• Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
• Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
• Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance
Clearance Required: TS/SCI
Apply Now
Company
Rocket Lab
Location
Long Beach, CA
More jobs in Long Beach
Job Type
Full-time
Category
RF / Microwave
Posted
Oct 28, 2026
Source
Original posting ↗