Senior RF Test Engineer I/II

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR RF TEST ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the SENIOR RF TEST ENGINEER I/II is responsible for testing radio frequency components and systems used to support satellites. The ideal Senior RF Test Engineer will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and reliably meet tight project deadlines. You will support the Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior RF Test Engineer I or Senior RF Test  Engineer II level) 

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.

 YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF TEST ENGINEER I:

• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications; or other engineering degree
• 5+ 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.
• Solid experience using RF test and measurement equipment such as; Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and spectrum analyzer.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF TEST ENGINEER II:

• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications; or other engineering degree
• 8+ 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.
• Highly proficient theoretical understanding of RF test and measurement principles.
• Highly proficient using RF test and measurement equipment such as; Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and spectrum analyzer.

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise