RF Development Manager

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems team designs and builds extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft that support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not only launching rockets – we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to components and subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our 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.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Development Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development of new RF products, including Rocket Lab’s radio product line, alongside the radio development team.

• Review the TT&C needs of current and future programs and develop a roadmap for new technology insertion.
• Define and maintain requirements specifications.
• Drive the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments align with required product capabilities.
• Design and prototype RF products including component selection and PCB layout/fabrication/packaging.
• Support the development of test plans and procedures.
• Support the design and development of GSE and production automation.
• Support development of product documentation including ICDs and user manuals.
• Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction.
• Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs.
• Scope and drive development activities for new requirements.
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs, and TRRs.
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers, including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting.
• Maintain awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied.
• Grow a team of 2-3 engineers for RF product development.
• Mentor junior engineers for career growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, or another engineering degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Fundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS.
• Experience in developing and delivering an RF product, including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space‑worthy products.
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

• Extensive experience in space‑grade board design, parts selection, and performance simulation.
• Extensive experience in circuit analyses including worst‑case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses.
• Experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation.
• Project management experience.
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites.
• Demonstrated expertise…