Director, Radar Payload

About Rocket LabRocket 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 SYSTEMSAt 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.DIRECTOR, RADAR PAYLOADBased at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Director, Radar Payload who will be responsible for leading the development of advanced radar payloads including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar systems. You will oversee the design, integration, and testing of radar payload subsystems and lead a team of RF engineers. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in radar system development, SAR processing, spaceborne radar missions, and payload integration, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.What You'll Get To DoSystem Leadership & DevelopmentLead the end-to-end development of space-based radar payload systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development – Ensure key design decisions and developments are in alignment with product / system needsDefine and maintain radar payload requirements specifications and performance metrics considering orbital parameters and mission constraintsConduct radar system design trades in support of new business proposals and mission architectures including orbit selection and spacecraft impactsDrive key design decisions for waveform design, antenna architecture, and signal processing chains optimized for space-based operationsLead analyses including radar equation modeling for various orbits, clutter analysis, SNR, ambiguity resolution, and Doppler centroid variationsOversee the development of radar calibration procedures and image quality assessment methodologies for spaceborne systemsDirect the integration of radar payloads with spacecraft bus systems including power budgets, thermal management, structural interfaces, and data handling architecturesLead mission planning activities including ground track analysis, access time optimization, and coverage requirementsLead the development of test plans, procedures, and RF/radar test campaignsTechnical LeadershipProvide technical leadership and mentorship to radar and RF engineering teamsLead multidisciplinary teams for radar efforts including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineersDrive innovation in space-based radar payload design and performance optimizationSupport the development of GSE, calibration targets, and production automationDevelop product documentation including ICDs, ConOps, and User ManualsGuide spacecraft-level design decisions to optimize radar payload performanceCustomer/Program SupportLead proposal efforts and requirements assessments for space-based radar payload opportunitiesInterface with customers, government agencies, and mission stakeholdersLead engineering reviews such as SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, and TRRsProvide expert technical support for radar system anomaly resolutionMaintain awareness of program schedules and ensure customer needs are satisfiedYou'll Bring These QualificationsBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field and 12+ years of relevant experienceExtensive hands-on experience developing and delivering radar systems from requirements through mission operationsDeep knowledge of SAR imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR, TOPS) and processing algorithms for space-based platformsDemonstrated experience with space-based radar systems including LEO, MEO, or GEO configurationsExpert-level understanding of orbital mechanics and how orbit parameters affect radar performance including revisit time, coverage, and resolutionStrong knowledge of spacecraft design principles including power systems, thermal control, attitude determination and control, and data handlingExpert-level understanding of radar systems including waveform design, pulse compression, Doppler processing, and clutter mitigationProven track record leading complex spaceborne radar payload development programsExperience with radar payload testing including EIRP, sensitivity, range-Doppler response, and image quality metricsUnderstanding of launch environment requirements and space qualification processesDemonstrated leadership and team management experienceU.S. citizenship is required due to program requirementsAbility to obtain and maintain a TS / SCI clearanceThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To HaveExisting TS / SCI clearanceExperience with advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry, bistatic SAR) from space platformsKnowledge of radar image processing, autofocus algorithms, and exploitation tools for spaceborne dataExperience with digital beamforming and phased array radar systems for space applicationsExtensive experience in space-grade hardware design, mission assurance, and parts selectionExperience with COTS radar component assessment and space qualification testingKnowledge of radar licensing, frequency coordination, ITU regulations, and spectrum management for space systemsExperience with ground segment development including mission planning, tasking, data downlink, and processing systemsDemonstrated expertise in FMECA, reliability analysis, worst-case analysis, and radiation effects for space radar systemsExperience with constellation design and multi-satellite radar architecturesKnowledge of launch vehicle integration and orbital insertion strategiesProject management and earned value management experiencePublications or patents in space-based radar technologyStrong communication skills and ability to present to executive leadership and customersThis 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.Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.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 Pay Range (CA Only): $198,000 USD - $330,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe’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 InformationFOR 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 [email protected] 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.