PHOTON SATELLITE PROGRAM

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting Rocket Lab’s evolution from a pure-play launch company, to an end-to-end mission provider that delivers launch, satellites, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future, enabling innovative small sat missions in low Earth orbit and beyond, as well as offering high performance, affordable, reliable, and flight proven satellite subsystems and components that can either be incorporated into Photon or other spacecraft buses.

RF PRODUCT MANAGER

Reporting to the Global Director of RF Engineering, the RF Product Manager is the technical owner of RF products at Rocket Lab and is responsible for managing all aspects of new product development and introduction. The RF product portfolio includes the Frontier Radio product line, a family of spacecraft transceivers that enable communications and radiometric navigation for near earth and deep space missions. It is also intended to offer additional products as part of the space systems portfolio. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of RF systems engineering and program management skills, will have proven experience in related projects, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Manage a small team of engineers responsible for the Frontier Radio product line
• Support definition of the RF product roadmap
• Manage new product development and introduction for Frontier Radio variants and features, both technically and in a project management capacity
• Engage with the Technical Program Manager – Frontier Radio Customer Programs regularly to maintain awareness of customer projects, to ensure development of new features meet customer timelines, and to ensure customer expectations are accurate
• Work with stakeholders to define the core specifications and feature set for all RF products.
• Maintain schedules for product development activities. Establish and monitor budgets and provide reporting to leadership.
• Ensure new product feature requests as well as identified product deficiencies and improvements are captured and planned for
• Support manufacturing, production, and supply chain teams as required to ensure efficient, cost effective, and quality outcomes for RF products

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace, or a similar technical discipline
• 6+ years of experience developing RF systems
• 4+ years of product or program management experience
• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of radio communications, including component theory of operation, modulation and coding and communications link budgets
• Significant RF test experience applied to RF components and communications systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace, or a similar technical discipline
• Thorough understanding of space systems and subsystems, and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines
• Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
• Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance, or ability to obtain one upon being hired
• Understanding of space system qualification flows, functional and comprehensive performance testing
• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration testing.
• Experience with PCBA design and assembly.
• Deep understanding of space systems and the space environment.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines