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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Mission Architect to lead the technical architecture of next-generation space payloads for tactical satcom, space-based sensing, and direct-to-cell constellations. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will own how the core product line evolves to capture new defense and commercial missions.
You will architect clean-sheet payloads from concept through proposal, running early mission trades to define payload topologies, analog vs. digital conversion boundaries, waveform processing constraints, and cryptographic integration for optimal mission profiles. You will drive technical capture by working directly with customers and leadership to frame complex RF trade-offs, author technical architecture narratives for key proposals, and defend design choices in a fast-paced bid environment.
You will shape the hardware roadmap by translating customer mission needs into internal R&D priorities, payload prototyping, and technology investments. You will bridge concept to flight by partnering with payload hardware, software, and spacecraft teams to ensure architectures are buildable and transition cleanly into flight development.
Required: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline; 5+ years in aerospace or defense RF systems; demonstrated track record architecting complex multi-function RF, SAR/radar, or digital communication payloads from concept to proposal win; active TS/SCI security clearance.
Desirable: Advanced degree in RF/microwave, electromagnetics, or radar; expertise in antennas, arrays, RF front-end architectures, TR modules, DSP, radar techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP), advanced waveforms, protected tactical standards, digital payload concepts, radiation effects, post-quantum cryptography, and tools like STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST. Strong communication skills, comfort with ambiguity, collaborative mindset, and entrepreneurial drive to pursue bold ideas.
