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Salary: USD 173,300 - 259,850 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Manager, Signal Processing to lead algorithm development for advanced digital payload products, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), space-based radar systems, modems, processors, and network routers. This role is based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA.
You will manage a team of 3-4 DSP engineers and oversee the complete product lifecycle from initial concept through in-flight operations. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering management.
Key responsibilities include:
Engineering Management: Define engineering processes for algorithm development, establish milestones and reviews, task and monitor engineers, and ensure traceability from requirements through design, implementation, and verification.
Algorithms Development: Set the technical roadmap for DSP algorithm development; design, develop, and optimize algorithms for filtering, modulation, demodulation, compression, noise reduction, and feature extraction. Architect digital product designs, lead development processes, design test plans and procedures, and lead GSE and production automation development. Liaise with hardware, FPGA, and software engineers to deliver completed products. Stay current with DSP advancements and implement performance improvements.
Customer/Program Support: Liaise with customers and program teams on current programs and new business proposals. Review proposals and requirements specifications, scope development activities, drive key design decisions, support engineering reviews (PDRs, CDRs, TRRs), provide technical support for troubleshooting, and maintain awareness of production schedules.
Team Building: Grow and mentor a team of 3-4 DSP engineers, familiarize algorithm concepts across teams, and support career development.
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, building spacecraft and components for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant experience
- Experience in space electronics with expertise in high-speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system-on-chip, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
- Experience developing and delivering digital products from requirements assessment through prototyping to space-worthy production
- Detailed knowledge of DSP algorithms and communication theory
- Demonstrated track record of owning technical programs, products, or teams end-to-end and delivering under pressure
- Evidence of moving real hardware and software from prototype to scalable, flight-ready production
- Understanding of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems
- US citizenship required due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
Nice-to-have qualifications:
- 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
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills
- Willingness to work extra hours and weekends as needed
