{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"94ff8bdbf151fa6ec629edb6","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/94ff8bdbf151fa6ec629edb6","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/94ff8bdbf151fa6ec629edb6","title":"RF Development Manager","description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\nRocket 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.\nOur Electron rocket has 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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS\nAt 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.\nOur 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.\nRF DEVELOPMENT MANAGER\nBased onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Development Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development of new RF products including Rocket Lab's radio product line alongside the radio development team. The RF Development Manager will review the TT&C needs of current/future programs and develop a roadmap for new technology insertion. 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.\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\nProduct Development\nDefine and maintain requirements specifications\nDrive the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities\nDesign and prototype the RF product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging\nSupport the development of test plans and procedures\nSupport the design and development of GSE and production automation\nSupport the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals\nLiaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction\nCustomer/Program Support\nReview proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs\nScope and drive development activities for new requirements\nSupport engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs\nProvide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting\nMaintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied\nTeam Building\nGrow a team of 2-3 engineers for RF product development\nMentor junior engineers for career growth\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience\nFundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS\nExperience in developing and delivering a RF product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.\nA solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components\nU.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nExtensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation\nExtensive experience in circuit analyses including worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses\nExtensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation\nProject management experience\nExperience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites\nDemonstrated expertise in people management.\nExperience leading incident management and investigations.\nExperience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people.\nThe ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines\nEffective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships\nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:\nSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus\nRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing\nMust be physically able to commute to buildings\nOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise\nWilling to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT\nWe'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.\nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\nTo 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.\nRocket 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.\nApplicants 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.\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\nFor 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.\nUnder 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.","company":"Rocket Lab","rawCompany":"rocket lab","city":"Long Beach","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-14T10:51:34.308Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334220","title":"Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wireless-communications-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"RF Development Manager","description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\nRocket 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.\nOur Electron rocket has 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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS\nAt 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.\nOur 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.\nRF DEVELOPMENT MANAGER\nBased onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the RF Development Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the development of new RF products including Rocket Lab's radio product line alongside the radio development team. The RF Development Manager will review the TT&C needs of current/future programs and develop a roadmap for new technology insertion. 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.\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\nProduct Development\nDefine and maintain requirements specifications\nDrive the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities\nDesign and prototype the RF product including component selection and PCB layout / fabrication / packaging\nSupport the development of test plans and procedures\nSupport the design and development of GSE and production automation\nSupport the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals\nLiaise with Test Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers to drive New Product Introduction\nCustomer/Program Support\nReview proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs\nScope and drive development activities for new requirements\nSupport engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs\nProvide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting\nMaintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied\nTeam Building\nGrow a team of 2-3 engineers for RF product development\nMentor junior engineers for career growth\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:\nBachelors degree in electrical engineering, RF communications, (or other engineering degree) and 8+ years of relevant experience\nFundamental RF knowledge including cascaded device analysis, link budget analysis, and HFSS\nExperience in developing and delivering a RF product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.\nA solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF communications and navigation systems and components\nU.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\nExtensive experience in space grade board design including parts selection and performance simulation\nExtensive experience in circuit analyses including worst case, reliability, FMECA, thermal, and derating analyses\nExtensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation\nProject management experience\nExperience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites\nDemonstrated expertise in people management.\nExperience leading incident management and investigations.\nExperience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people.\nThe ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines\nEffective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships\nADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:\nSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus\nRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing\nMust be physically able to commute to buildings\nOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise\nWilling to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT\nWe'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.\nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\nTo 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.\nRocket 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.\nApplicants 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.\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\nFor 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.\nUnder 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.","datePosted":"2026-04-14T10:51:34.308Z","dateModified":"2026-04-14T10:51:34.308Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rocket Lab","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Long Beach","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"94ff8bdbf151fa6ec629edb6"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/94ff8bdbf151fa6ec629edb6"}}