RF Systems Manager at Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Dec, 25

Salary

200000.0

Posted On

30 Sep, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

RF Engineering, System Design, People Development, Requirements Specifications, Payload Design Trades, Test Plans, Documentation, Mentoring, Team Building, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Anomaly Troubleshooting, Engineering Management, Customer Support, Technical Support, Program Management

Industry

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. 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 extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS 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. RF SYSTEMS MANAGER Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Systems Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development & execution of new RF systems alongside the RF Systems team. The RF Systems Manager will work closely with new business and RF products to review the payload and TT&C subsystems needs of current/future programs. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and people development skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Engineering Management Define appropriate engineering processes for new RF communications systems including activities, milestones and engineering reviews, ensuring general compliance with best practice systems engineering process Support the development and maintenance of program schedules Task, support and monitor engineers throughout the engineering process Ensure engineering process and associated documentation products are traceable from requirements through design, implementation and verification System Development Define and maintain requirements specifications Conduct payload design trades in support of new business proposals and early stage programs Drive the development process, making key design decisions and trades Complete analyses in support of design needs Review and approve the development of test plans and procedures Support the design and development of GSE and production automation Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals Customer/Program Support Liaise with suppliers to ensure deliveries are per program requirements and schedules, and with appropriate supporting data Liaise with RL ground segment engineers to ensure appropriate provisions are made for missions Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs Scope and drive development activities for new 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 Team Building Grow a team of 3-4 engineers for RF systems development and execution Mentor junior engineers for career growth YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications or other engineering degree and 8+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated RF knowledge including link budget analysis and linearity. A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components. Can account for ITU constraints e.g. PFD limits and DSN protection. End to end experience in developing and delivering multiple RF systems including requirements decomposition, system design, procurement, integration, and test (including in-orbit support). Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation Ability to obtain TS / SCI THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) Active TS/SCI clearance Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others Experience leading incident management and investigations Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise 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. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $140,000—$200,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT 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. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Responsibilities

The RF Systems Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development and execution of new RF systems. This includes defining engineering processes, supporting program schedules, and ensuring compliance with best practices in systems engineering.