About this job

Rocket Lab is the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch. Launching from right here in New Zealand, we design and build innovative technology to give small satellites a premium ride to orbit.

Small satellites play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives – they connect us, keep us safe, help us understand our planet and manage our impact on it, and they enable us to innovate and explore. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab.

Our relentlessly innovative team is behind Electron, the world’s only truly commercial small satellite launch vehicle in operation today. With multiple orbital launches under our belt and a record of 100% mission success, we’re opening access to space to improve life on Earth. We’ve built a world class team with a reputation for doing the impossible. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard and everyone makes a difference. Every day, we pursue ideas that challenge, excite and demand more of us, and we make them real. Be a part of it.

Responsibilities

As a RF Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development, integration and testing, operational deployment and frequency licencing of radio frequency communications systems used to support Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle and Photon, Rocket Lab’s satellite platform for LEO and beyond LEO applications. You will be challenged daily and to succeed you will need to adapt quickly and thrive under pressure to achieve tight project deadlines.

There are two main areas of responsibility which are:

Systems Engineering

• Lead the systems engineering process associated with Electron/Photon RF systems and associated ground stations, including requirements definition, system design, verification and validation and associated documentation products
• Conduct market surveys for prospective RF components, and support prototyping and evaluation activities
• Lead the engineering change process associated with the deployment of new RF systems and bringing new systems/components into operational use

Frequency Licencing

• Develop and maintain a broad understanding of Rocket Lab’s RF systems and associated licences
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the RF regulatory environment
• Support discussions with regulatory agencies
• Prepare frequency licence applications associated with Electron, Photon, and associated ground stations
• Support frequency coordination activities

Profile

Essential skills

• Bachelor degree or diploma in Engineering, majoring in electronics/communications/RF (or an equivalent qualification)
• 6+ years of relevant experience
• A solid theoretical understanding of RF systems including system level RF analysis and including link budget analysis
• An understanding of best practice systems engineer process and associated documentation products
• The ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

Important Information

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.