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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer to develop next-generation digital payload products including modems, processors, and network routers for space applications. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will own the full product lifecycle from concept through flight operations, including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production.
In this role, you will define and maintain requirements specifications, architect digital product designs, and ensure alignment across development teams. You'll design and prototype digital products with component selection and PCB layout, support test plan development, and collaborate with manufacturing and test engineers on new product introduction. You'll also review customer proposals and requirements, scope development activities, support engineering reviews (PDRs, CDRs, TRRs), and provide technical support for anomaly troubleshooting.
You bring 5+ years of space electronics experience with deep expertise in high-speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system-on-chip design, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing. You have a proven track record developing and delivering digital products from requirements assessment through space-worthy production. You possess detailed knowledge of DSP algorithms and communication theory, and hold U.S. citizenship (required for program access).
Nice-to-have qualifications include ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance, extensive modem and component experience, space-grade board design expertise, circuit analysis skills (timing, physical constraints), and experience leading complex engineering programs with strong documentation practices.
