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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Mission Architect to lead the technical evolution of its RF payload product line for next-generation tactical satcom, space-based sensing, and direct-to-cell constellations. Based in Long Beach, CA, you will hold primary technical ownership over mission architecture and payload design, operating in a fast-paced environment where you design, bid, and build high-performance space systems.
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 core technical architecture narratives for key proposals, and defend design choices in competitive bids.
You will shape the hardware roadmap by translating customer mission needs into internal R&D priorities, payload prototyping strategies, 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; 8+ years of aerospace or defense RF systems experience; demonstrated track record architecting complex multi-function RF, SAR/radar, or digital communication payloads from concept to proposal win; eligibility to obtain and maintain 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, collaborative mindset, entrepreneurial drive, and comfort with ambiguity are essential.
