Junior RF Engineer Ground Segment

Job description

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 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just building rockets—we’re building the future of space exploration.

As a Junior RF Engineer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that designs, develops, and verifies cutting‑edge RF communications and navigation systems for our launch vehicles and satellites.

This is your chance to work with some of the best minds in the industry, tackle exciting challenges, and grow your skills in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

Whether you're conducting trade studies on RF components, designing verification test systems, or collaborating across departments, you'll play a key role in ensuring our systems are mission‑ready and fit for purpose.

What You’ll Do

• Apply best practice systems engineering principles to develop RF communications and navigation systems.
  
  
• Design and test RF components like antennas, amplifiers, and transceivers.
  
  
• Ensure seamless telemetry and telecommand data flow between ground systems and satellites.
  
  
• Develop engineering documents, test plans, and interface control documents.
  
  
• Support system installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Essential Skills :

  • Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Engineering (electronics/communications/RF).
    
    
  • Fundamental knowledge of RF communications methods, modulation types, and channel coding techniques.
    
    
  • Experience with tools like HFSS, CST Studio Suite, MATLAB, Python, and C++.
    
    
  • Strong analytical skills for system‑level RF analyses and link analysis.
    
    
  • Effective communication and ability to thrive under pressure.
    
    

• Desirable Skills :

  • Hands‑on experience with RF components and systems.
    
    
  • Familiarity with RF test equipment like VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
    
    
  • Knowledge of CCSDS recommendations and ITU radio regulations.
    
    

What You’ll Bring

• A positive attitude and a “how can I help?” mentality.
  
  
• A passion for learning and growing in a collaborative environment.
  
  
• A commitment to delivering results and meeting deadlines.
  
  
• The ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure setting.
  
  

Ready to Launch Your Career?

If you’re passionate about RF engineering, eager to learn, and excited to work on groundbreaking projects, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and take the first step toward an exciting career at Rocket Lab.

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 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.

Required Skill Profession

It Management & It Project Management