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Rocket Lab is seeking an RF Engineer I/II – Radar to support the development of advanced radar and RF systems, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and space-based radar applications. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands-on testing and integration activities.
Key responsibilities include supporting space-based radar system development across architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development. You will assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters, conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools, and support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications. You'll perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, and coverage analysis, and assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization and revisit analysis.
You will participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests, support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification, and assist with radar data collection and post-processing. Additional responsibilities include developing test plans and procedures, supporting radar calibration activities, and helping develop technical documentation including test reports and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
The role also involves customer and program support, including assisting in the review of radar requirements and specifications, supporting proposal development activities, participating in engineering reviews and technical meetings, and providing technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting.
For RF Engineer I level: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field required. Foundational knowledge of radar systems, basic understanding of orbital mechanics, foundational awareness of spacecraft systems, and basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets and receiver architectures. Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation. U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
