{"id":639426,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-director-radar-payload","title":"Director, Radar Payload","company":{"id":684473,"name":"Rocket Lab","domain":"rocketlab.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/rocketlab-2","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":81,"open_postings":77,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.779,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":39,"computed_at":"2026-10-10T05:45:15Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"head","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Long Beach, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":268600,"max":422000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":422000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-03T16:16:46Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-25","last_verified_at":"2026-10-11T17:16:02Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":38,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":38},"description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\nRocket 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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS\nAt Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.\nOur Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.\nDIRECTOR, RADAR PAYLOAD\nBased at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Director, Radar Payload who will be responsible for leading the development of advanced radar payloads including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar systems. You will oversee the design, integration, and testing of radar payload subsystems and lead a team of RF engineers. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in radar system development, SAR processing, spaceborne radar missions, and payload integration, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\nSystem Leadership & Development\nLead the end-to-end development of space-based radar payload systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development - Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product / system needs\nDefine and maintain radar payload requirements specifications and performance metrics considering orbital parameters and mission constraints\nConduct radar system design trades in support of new business proposals and mission architectures including orbit selection and spacecraft impacts\nDrive key design decisions for waveform design, antenna architecture, and signal processing chains optimized for space-based operations\nLead analyses including radar equation modeling for various orbits, clutter analysis, SNR, ambiguity resolution, and Doppler centroid variations\nOversee the development of radar calibration procedures and image quality assessment methodologies for spaceborne systems\nDirect the integration of radar payloads with spacecraft bus systems including power budgets, thermal management, structural interfaces, and data handling architectures\nLead mission planning activities including ground track analysis, access time optimization, and coverage requirements\nLead the development of test plans, procedures, and RF/radar test campaigns\nTechnical Leadership\nProvide technical leadership and mentorship to radar and RF engineering teams\nLead multidisciplinary teams for radar efforts including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers\nDrive innovation in space-based radar payload design and performance optimization\nSupport the development of GSE, calibration targets, and production automation\nDevelop product documentation including ICDs, ConOps, and User Manuals\nGuide spacecraft-level design decisions to optimize radar payload performance\nCustomer/Program Support\nLead proposal efforts and requirements assessments for space-based radar payload opportunities\nInterface with customers, government agencies, and mission stakeholders\nLead engineering reviews such as SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs\nProvide expert technical support for radar system anomaly resolution\nMaintain awareness of program schedules and ensure customer needs are satisfied\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field and 12+ years of relevant experience\nExtensive hands-on experience developing and delivering radar systems from requirements through mission operations\nDeep knowledge of SAR imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR, TOPS) and processing algorithms for space-based platforms\nDemonstrated experience with space-based radar systems including LEO, MEO, or GEO configurations\nExpert-level understanding of orbital mechanics and how orbit parameters affect radar performance including revisit time, coverage, and resolution\nStrong knowledge of spacecraft design principles including power systems, thermal control, attitude determination and control, and data handling\nExpert-level understanding of radar systems including waveform design, pulse compression, Doppler processing, and clutter mitigation\nProven track record leading complex spaceborne radar payload development programs\nExperience with radar payload testing including EIRP, sensitivity, range-Doppler response, and image quality metrics\nUnderstanding of launch environment requirements and space qualification processes\nDemonstrated leadership and team management experience\nU.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements\nAbility to obtain and maintain a TS / SCI clearance\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nExisting TS / SCI clearance\nExperience with advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry, bistatic SAR) from space platforms\nKnowledge of radar image processing, autofocus algorithms, and exploitation tools for spaceborne data\nExperience with digital beamforming and phased array radar systems for space applications\nExtensive experience in space-grade hardware design, mission assurance, and parts selection\nExperience with COTS radar component assessment and space qualification testing\nKnowledge of radar licensing, frequency coordination, ITU regulations, and spectrum management for space systems\nExperience with ground segment development including mission planning, tasking, data downlink, and processing systems\nDemonstrated expertise in FMECA, reliability analysis, worst-case analysis, and radiation effects for space radar systems\nExperience with constellation design and multi-satellite radar architectures\nKnowledge of launch vehicle integration and orbital insertion strategies\nProject management and earned value management experience\nPublications or patents in space-based radar technology\nStrong communication skills and ability to present to executive leadership and customers\nThis position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.\nAnticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.\nJoin one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.\nOur comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.\nAdditional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.\nLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.\nTotal Compensation (base and equity)\n$268,600—$422,000 USD\nBase Salary\n$198,000—$297,000 USD\nWHAT TO EXPECT \nWe’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. \nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\nTo 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.\nRocket 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.\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at . 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.\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\nFor 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. \nUnder 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":11445,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":12,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Gym membership","Life insurance","Parental leave","Retirement plans"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Launch Services"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T20:00:17Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"H-1B filings in 12 months: 9 · green card filings: 1","filings_12m":9,"filings_prev_12m":4,"green_card_filings_12m":1,"median_offered_wage_usd":177500,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-03T21:08:04+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)","US Department of Labor: PERM disclosure data (green cards)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":41,"band":"fade","label":"Fading","p_open":1,"p_active":0.544,"p_room":0.75,"age_days":36,"expected_fill_days":39,"reasons":["conf:2","stale_co","velocity","win:late","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-10T05:45:15Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":422000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-director-radar-payload","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-director-radar-payload.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-11T20:03:04Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":7546,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-12T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684473},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684473"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Frocketlab-director-radar-payload"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Frocketlab-director-radar-payload"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Frocketlab-director-radar-payload"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/rocketlab-director-radar-payload\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Frocketlab-director-radar-payload"}]}