Engineering
RF Engineer I - Manufacturing
Job Ref: 5059877003 | Type: Regular
About The Role
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
ENGINEERING
Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.
RF ENGINEER I – MANUFACTURING
As a RF Engineer I - Manufacturing you will play an important role in the manufacturing of RF communications and navigation systems used to support Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles. You will work closely with RF test engineers and manufacturing engineers to develop robust manufacturing solutions that apply lean manufacturing principles to a high-growth production environment. You will establish/maintain appropriate test rigs and work instructions, drive New Product Introduction, and monitor and support the production process. You will be challenged daily and to succeed you will need to adapt quickly and thrive under pressure to achieve tight project deadlines and stringent launch times.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Test Rig Development and Support:
- Develop and maintain test rigs for component and system testing.
- Create and document test automation software.
- Build, upgrade, maintain, and troubleshoot test rigs.
New Product Introduction:
- Apply Design-For-Manufacture and lean principles to new products
- Review and give feedback on test plans.
- Develop work instructions for RF components.
- Support Production Readiness Reviews.
- Train production personnel on testing procedures and equipment.
Production Support:
- Assist production personnel throughout manufacturing.
- Resolve production non-conformances and sign-off on work instructions.
- Become an expert in PLM and ERP software (Teamcentre, LN, Flame).
- Drive continuous improvement in test rigs, automation, and processes.
Change Management:
- Support the Engineering Change Request process.
- Collaborate with Analysis, Vehicle Design, and Avionics teams.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, majoring in Electronics, Communications, RF, Mechatronics, or an equivalent field
- Previous experience testing RF components and systems
- More than 1 year of experience as a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineer
- Proficiency in RF test and measurement techniques, with hands-on experience using RF test equipment such as VNAs and spectrum analyzers
- Skilled in conducting basic RF analyses
- Expertise in creating test scripts and automated tests using Python
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong communication skills with a proven track record of building effective working relationships
- Excellent communicator with the ability to deliver clear and concise KPIs
- A can-do attitude and the flexibility to thrive within dynamic and expanding teams and processes
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Theoretical understanding of RF components and their electrical characteristics
- Understanding of the theory of operation of common RF test equipment
- Experience integrating and testing radio communications systems, including RF characterization tests and end to end communications performance tests such as Eb/N0 vs BER
- Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems within a Manufacturing environment
- Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
- Knowledge of production quality metrics.
- Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
- IQ / PQ process driven project completion
Ready to launch your career, 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.
Important information:
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.
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, click here ITAR Regulations.