Junior RF Engineer - Test

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Every Rocket Lab launch depends on RF communications and navigation systems that perform the first time, every time. The RF team designs, qualifies and supports the radio systems that keep our launch vehicles connected to the ground, from telemetry and command links to navigation.

Based in our Auckland Production Complex, the Junior RF Engineer - Test will help make sure every RF component and system that flies on our vehicles has been properly tested, qualified and accepted. You'll plan and run qualification and acceptance tests, build the test rigs and automation that make those tests accurate and repeatable, and support production teams as they integrate RF hardware into flight vehicles.

This is an entry-level role. You'll work closely with experienced RF systems engineers who will guide your work and review it. You'll also get hands-on with real flight hardware from day one. It's a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, and it's a great place to build deep, practical RF test experience quickly.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans for RF components and systems, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Perform qualification and acceptance testing, and write clear test reports that document the results.
• Design and build test rigs for component qualification and acceptance testing, including hardware-in-the-loop test equipment.
• Develop novel test methods for radio components and systems.
• Write test automation software that configures equipment, captures and processes measurement data, and presents results.
• Apply a metrological approach to testing so that measurements are accurate and repeatable.
• Document test rigs and how to operate them.
• Develop and maintain work instructions for RF components used by QC, Avionics Production and vehicle assembly teams.
• Support production with test rig operation, review test results, and sign off work instructions where required.
• Support launch vehicle projects by performing trade studies and evaluating prospective components.
• Support the engineering change process and work with other Rocket Lab teams, including Analysis, Vehicle Design and Avionics.
• Provide ad-hoc support wherever the team needs it. No task is beneath us.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic or Communications Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• A solid grounding in RF fundamentals, such as transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, link budgets, noise and power measurements.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, such as vector network analysers, spectrum analysers, signal generators, oscilloscopes and power meters, through study, projects, internships or work.
• Programming experience in Python or a similar language, ideally for instrument control or data analysis.
• The ability to write clear technical documents such as test plans, procedures and reports.
• An eye for detail and a genuine interest in measurement accuracy. In this role, "it seemed to work on the bench" isn't the bar.
• A proactive, "How can I help?" attitude and a willingness to own your tasks through to completion.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to raise risks and blockers early.
• The ability to adapt quickly, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in a test, qualification or production environment, ideally in aerospace, defence, telecommunications or another regulated industry.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal and thermal vacuum, or with standards like MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461 or SMC-S-016.
• Knowledge of GNSS, telemetry, or command and control radio systems.
• Experience building test rigs or hardware-in-the-loop test setups.
• Experience automating instruments using SCPI, VISA, PyVISA or LabVIEW.
• An understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration and metrology principles.
• Experience with RF components and assemblies such as antennas, amplifiers, filters and coaxial cable assemblies.
• Experience with RF simulation or PCB design tools.
• Familiarity with Git, Jira or similar tools.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Domestic and international travel may be required.

WHAT TO EXPECT  

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.