Senior RF Engineer - TT & C Systems

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – with the goal of opening access to space. The Space Systems team designs and builds our satellites and satellite components for missions across commercial, government, and defence sectors.

SENIOR RF ENGINEER - TT & C SYSTEMS

As part of the Space Systems RF team, you’ll design, develop, and validate RF communications and navigation systems for Rocket Lab missions. Reporting to the RF Development Team Lead, you’ll apply robust systems engineering to deliver mission-ready hardware that meets tight deadlines. Contribute to deep space missions and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite development as we expand our presence in the space industry. Share your knowledge and expertise as we continue to set the benchmark for providing reliable and innovative access to space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO :

• Define, design, and develop advanced RF systems with a systems-first mindset
• Collaborate across Avionics, Flight Software, Guidance, Navigation & Control and Operations to align on mission-critical interfaces and requirements
• Lead RF architecture trades, system analysis, and component selection (antennas, radios, amplifiers, etc.)
• Ensure seamless ground-to-space comms with robust telemetry and telecommand systems
• Validate systems with rigorous test plans and real-world verification
• Support production and provide expert insights during launch and operations

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS :

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

Whether it's component-level testing or full-system validation, you'll be a key player in getting our missions off the ground — and into orbit. Apply today!

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.

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 This resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from applying / interviewing. 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, you may click here ITAR Regulations.

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