Senior RF Digital Payload Engineer I Pipeline

rocketlab

Long Beach, CA · Long Beach · United States

Posted Jul 23, 2026

Other
On-site
4015 USA Space Systems

Apply on company site

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

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.

SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I PIPELINE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior Digital Payload Engineer I for a future opening who will be responsible for the development of new digital payload products including modems, processors, and network routers. The Senior Digital Payload Engineer will take the design from initial concept through inflight operations including board layout, bring-up, qualification, and production. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF engineering, system design, and board/circuit design skills and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Product Development

Define and maintain requirements specifications
Architect the digital product design
Support the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
Design and prototype the digital product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging
Support the development of test plans and procedures
Support the design and development of GSE and production automation
Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
Liaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction

Customer/Program Support

Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
Scope and drive development activities for new requirements
Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR DIGITAL PAYLOAD ENGINEER I:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science; or other engineering discipline
5+ years of experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing
Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products
Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
Deep experience in various modems and familiarity with latest modem components
Extensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation for high-speed digital and mixed signal circuits
Extensive experience in circuit analyses including timing analysis and physical constraints
Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation; demonstrated code design for re-usability, maintainability, and scalability
Experience designing, integrating, and testing communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
Experience leading incident management and investigations
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
Project management experience

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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$130,000—$170,000 USD

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.