Team Lead - Radio Frequency Engineer (Ground Segment)

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company delivering rockets, spacecraft, and vital subsystems that maintain global connectivity, security, and extend humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We operate quickly, build tangible hardware for critical missions, and make challenging tasks routine. Join us and help define the future.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Team Lead for RF Ground Segment operations based in Auckland, New Zealand. This position is critical for mission success, as you will lead the engineering team responsible for maintaining reliable RF communications that connect our rockets to Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and develop a proficient team managing essential RF infrastructure supporting launch and space missions.
• Take ownership of entire ground station systems encompassing RF performance, network architecture, modems, and mission integration.
• Lead the advancement, commissioning, and continual improvement of our worldwide ground station network.
• Collaborate with Space Operations to guarantee systems are mission-ready and communication links maintain perfect fidelity.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, program teams, and external partners to ensure ground segment solutions are integrated smoothly.
• Contribute to strategic planning, evaluate emerging technologies, and support business expansion through RF technology leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Electronics, Communications, or RF Engineering or related disciplines.
• Minimum of seven years in relevant technical roles including team leadership in fast-paced settings.
• Expertise in RF communications system design such as cascaded device analysis, link budget calculations, modulation, and coding selection.
• Hands-on experience with RF testing using equipment like vector network analyzers and spectrum analyzers at both unit component and full-system levels.
• Proven leadership skills in mentoring and motivating RF engineering teams under demanding and time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong foundation in systems engineering principles including requirements definition, validation processes, documentation, and operational readiness.
• Working knowledge of IP networking and practical deployment of RF systems in real-world environments.

Additional Advantages

• Experience with automation scripting using Python or LabVIEW.
• Networking certifications such as Cisco CCNA.
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards or regulatory frequency licensing.

Why Join Rocket Lab

• Contribute to cutting-edge technology that supports actual space missions.
• Lead a team that offers authentic ownership and operational autonomy.
• Be a part of an agile company known for rapid iteration and delivering impactful results.
• Engage in solving complex engineering challenges daily.

Work Culture and Expectations

Our mission to unlock space’s potential to improve Earth’s quality of life demands perseverance, innovation, collaboration, and determination. We embrace a supportive team environment, prioritize delivery over obstacles, and maintain high performance under pressure and tight deadlines.

Important Candidate Information

For U.S. Positions: Compliance with U.S. Government export regulations (including ITAR) requires candidates to be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees/asylees, or able to receive necessary federal authorizations.

For New Zealand Positions: Security background checks including nationality verification are mandatory, with eligibility linked to citizenship of specified countries due to ITAR compliance.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination and provides reasonable accommodations for disabilities during application and interview processes.