RF Test Engineer I/II

SPACE SYSTEMS  

At 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.

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. 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.

RF TEST ENGINEER I/II 

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF TEST ENGINEER I/II is responsible for testing RF components and spacecrafts for the space systems team.  The RF Test Engineer supports test setup design, qualification of components, and production troubleshooting. This RF Test Engineer will be the focal for EMI/EMC testing and evaluation.  The ideal RF Test Engineer will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and reliably meet tight project deadlines.  

 WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

 Test Planning and Preparation: 

• Design test setups.
• Develop test scripts to automate tests.
• Develop test plans and procedures.
• Seek input from RF engineers as necessary to support test setup design/analysis.
• Arrange/purchase test equipment and components as needed.

 Test Conduct and Reporting: 

• Establish test setups.
• Conduct testing.
• Post-process test data.
• Develop test reports.

 Production Support: 

• Train and support production technicians.
• Support the production process.
• Seek input from RF engineers as necessary.

 QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS RF TEST ENGINEER I: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Communications, RF, or other technical discipline
• Working knowledge of common RF components such as splitters, attenuators, amplifiers and frequency converters and their general RF performance characteristics. 
• Solid theoretical understanding of RF test and measurement principles. 
• General understanding of EMI/EMC testing 

 QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS RF TEST ENGINEER II: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Communications, RF, or other technical discipline
• 2+ years' experience across all aspects of RF device/system testing including test planning, conduct, and reporting. 
• Working knowledge of common RF components such as splitters, attenuators, amplifiers and frequency converters and their general RF performance characteristics. 
• Solid theoretical understanding of RF test and measurement principles. 
• Highly proficient in using RF test and measurement equipment such as; Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and spectrum analyzer. 
• Understanding of MIL-STD-461 and SMC-S-016 

 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Experience developing test scripts and automated test setups.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast paced environments.
• Effective communication and documentation skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Working knowledge of RF communications systems including; modulation and coding, cascaded RF device performance, and link analysis.
• Experience performing end-to-end testing of RF communications systems for example; Eb/N0 vs BER testing.
• Familiarity with the ITU radio regulations along with general RF licensing processes and dependencies.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.