Senior RF Engineer – TT & C Systems

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

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR RF ENGINEER - TT & C SYSTEMS

As part of the Space Systems RF team, you’ll design, develop, and validate RF communications and navigation systems for Rocket Lab missions. Reporting to the RF Development Team Lead, you’ll apply robust systems engineering to deliver mission-ready hardware that meets tight deadlines. Contribute to deep space missions and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite development as we expand our presence in the space industry. Share your knowledge and expertise as we continue to set the benchmark for providing reliable and innovative access to space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Define, design, and develop advanced RF systems with a systems-first mindset

• Collaborate across Avionics, Flight Software, Guidance, Navigation & Control and Operations to align on mission-critical interfaces and requirements

• Lead RF architecture trades, system analysis, and component selection (antennas, radios, amplifiers, etc.)

• Ensure seamless ground-to-space comms with robust telemetry and telecommand systems

• Validate systems with rigorous test plans and real-world verification

• Support production and provide expert insights during launch and operations

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Communications, or RF) or equivalent

• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (signal generators, VNAs, spectrum analyzers)

• 8+ years’ experience developing RF communication systems through full product life cycles

• Expertise in RF system design, including cascaded device and link analysis

• Strong knowledge of modulation, channel coding, and multiple access schemes

• Proven track record delivering quality solutions, navigating complex systems, and mentoring peers

• Effective communicator with strong collaboration and relationship-building skills

• Experienced in creating and improving technical documentation

• Proactive risk manager, ensuring long-term system stability

• Takes ownership of complex issues and leads them to resolution

• Dedicated mentor who develops others’ problem-solving skills and engineering best practices

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiar with CCSDS standards and ITU radio regulations

• Knowledge of RF navigation techniques (GNSS, ranging, two-way doppler)

• Experience with tools like Ansys STK, Keysight PathWave, HFSS, CST Studio Suite

• Proficient in coding (C, C++, Python, MATLAB)

Whether it's component-level testing or full-system validation, you'll be a key player in getting our missions off the ground — and into orbit. Apply today!

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 [email protected] 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.