{"id":639427,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-rf-engineer-ii-radar","title":"Senior RF Engineer II - Radar","company":{"id":684473,"name":"Rocket Lab","domain":"rocketlab.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/rocketlab-2","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"is_intermediary":false,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":76,"open_postings":75,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.96,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":37,"computed_at":"2026-09-24T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"senior","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":174300,"max":269875,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":269875},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-03T16:16:16Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-23","last_verified_at":"2026-09-24T12:43:56Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":20,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":20},"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.\nSENIOR RF ENGINEER II - RADAR\nBased at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Engineer II - Radar/RF who will be responsible for the technical development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will drive radar system architecture, oversee RF component integration, and support hands-on radar testing and calibration. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\nSystem Development\nLead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development\nDefine and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications accounting for orbital parameters\nConduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms\nDrive key technical decisions for radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design considering orbit dynamics\nComplete radar analyses including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity analysis, interference assessment, and orbital effects on performance\nAnalyze mission requirements including orbit selection, ground track patterns, and revisit characteristics\nDevelop and execute radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems\nSupport the development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems\nLead the design and development of radar GSE including calibration sources and test fixtures\nSupport spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams (power, thermal, ADCS, data handling)\nSupport the development of product documentation including ICDs, test reports, and User Manuals\nRadar & RF Engineering\nDesign and analyze radar waveforms for various space-based imaging and detection applications\nPerform radar system modeling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom codes including orbital propagation\nAssess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit/receive chains\nSupport hands-on radar testing including EIRP measurements, receiver sensitivity, etc.\nInterface with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers\nCustomer/Program Support\nReview proposals and requirements specifications for space-based radar payload opportunities\nScope and drive development activities for new radar capabilities\nSupport engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs\nProvide technical support to internal/external customers including radar performance troubleshooting\nMaintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field \n8+ years of relevant experience \nHands-on experience with space-based radar systems including system integration and mission operations, including imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment\nStrong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including how orbit parameters affect radar performance\nWorking knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, thermal, ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design\nStrong radar system knowledge including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing\nSolid theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis\nExperience developing and delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space applications\nProficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software\nExperience with radar testing including range measurements and RF performance characterization\nU.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements\nAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nExisting DoD TS/SCI clearance\nExtensive experience in space-grade radar system design and environmental testing\nKnowledge of advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry) for space platforms\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$174,300—$269,875 USD\nBase Salary\n$141,800—$212,600 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":10211,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"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":["Space & Aerospace"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T20:00:17Z"}],"liveness":{"score":53,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.586,"p_room":0.9,"age_days":20,"expected_fill_days":37,"reasons":["conf:3","stale_co","velocity","win:mid","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-09-24T05:45:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":269875,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-rf-engineer-ii-radar","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocketlab-senior-rf-engineer-ii-radar.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-24T13:44:46Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers"}}