RF Engineer I/II - Radar

ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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.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 ENGINEER I/II - RADAR Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a RF Engineer I/II - Radar 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 will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. (Please note: this position can be hired at the RF Engineer I or RF Engineer II level.) WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 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 Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications Participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification Assist with radar data collection and post-processing activities Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers Customer/Program Support Assist in the review of radar requirements and specifications 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 deliverab