RF Team Lead - Ground Segment

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!

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!

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

The RF Team Lead - Ground Segment is responsible for developing the RF communications and navigation systems used on Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and for supporting these systems during their in-service phase. You will be responsible to ensure the systems are subjected to an appropriate level of engineering rigor, well documented, in compliance with requirements and generally fit for purpose. You will be challenged daily and to succeed you will need to adapt quickly and thrive under pressure to achieve tight project deadlines.

Team Leadership And Planning:

Develop and execute an annual operating plan, translating department goals into actionable team plans.
Ensure team members understand their roles and receive timely feedback on performance.
Manage, mentor, and motivate team members to achieve high efficiency and effectiveness.


Stakeholder And Customer Relations:

Build and maintain relationships with key organizational stakeholders including engineering, operations, and program management teams.
Provide regular updates to the Global Director of RF Engineering on team progress, including risk management.


Process Development:

Lead the creation and refinement of team processes, with a focus on ground station operations.
Identify opportunities for enhancing team productivity and professional growth.


Product Owner And SME:

Act as the product owner and subject matter expert (SME) for Rocket Lab ground station solutions.
Monitor new ground station developments and maintain awareness of RF systems and support requirements.
Drive the roadmap for ground station capabilities, ensuring developmental, verification, and implementation goals are met.


Development And Commissioning:

Oversee the development, installation, and commissioning of new ground stations and related infrastructure.
Ensure technical data is comprehensive and current, and that new systems are operationally ready.


Maintenance And Support:

Ensure appropriate maintenance and sparing strategies are in place
Ensure routine maintenance cycles are completed and that necessary corrective maintenance is promptly completed


3rd Party Coordination:

Select and coordinate mission ground stations in collaboration with SpaceOps.
Conduct RF Compatibility Testing and document verification procedures for each mission.
Provide consistent updates to Program Managers on ground segment readiness.


Ad-Hoc Operations Support:

Offer expert SME support during mission preparation and operations, including operator dashboard development and flight data analysis.


YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, majoring in communications systems (or an equivalent qualification)
Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
Experience designing, integrating and testing RF communications and navigation systems for launch vehicles or satellites
A solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components
A solid understanding of RF test and measurement fundamentals and significant practical experience using RF test equipment
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
Project Management experience favourable


If the above sounds like you, apply now!

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

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, ****** 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

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