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RF Test Engineer II

Full TimeOn Site
Long Beach, California

, Long Beach, California 90802 • Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, California

RF Test Engineer II

Long Beach, CA

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 II

We're currently seeking an RF Test Engineer II for our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This team is responsible for building the tools and process to test satellite RF subsystems and our line of radio products.

What You'll Get To Do

  • Develop RF test plans for RF subsystems and payloads.
  • Manage and conduct Acceptance, Qualification and Proto-Flight test programs on RF systems.
  • Design, procure and assemble automated test tools for RF subsystems.
  • Support the design and development of space flight hardware to increase the level of testability and manufacturability
  • Contribute to the development of engineering and business processes, including engineering and test processes, as well as other business processes to support Rocket Lab growth and capability
  • Contribute to the development of engineering best practice areas such as test, design for manufacture and engineering change management.

You'll Bring These Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical discipline
  • 2+ years of experience with RF hardware development and RF testing
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

  • Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems and instrumentation
  • Understanding of designing hardware from concept through production
  • Experience in environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC
  • Project/program management skills

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Total Compensation (base and equity) $110,875 - $143,625 USD

Base Salary $100,800 - $126,000 USD

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.