# Director, RF Payloads at Rocket Lab

- Company: Rocket Lab
- What the company does: The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components. Backed by Bessemer and Khosla.
- Company website: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/
- Type: Startups
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: Long Beach, CA
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-11-03
- Apply by: 2026-12-18
- Apply: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/8008872003?utm_source=1752vc&utm_medium=careers
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/rocket-lab-director-rf-payloads/

## About the role

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Director, RF 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. Found on 1752vc Careers, the job board for startup and VC roles.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field and 12+ years of relevant experience
- Extensive hands-on experience developing and delivering radar systems from requirements through mission operations
- Deep knowledge of SAR imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR, TOPS) and processing algorithms for space-based platforms
- Demonstrated experience with space-based radar systems including LEO, MEO, or GEO configurations
- Expert-level understanding of orbital mechanics and how orbit parameters affect radar performance including revisit time, coverage, and resolution
- Strong knowledge of spacecraft design principles including power systems, thermal control, attitude determination and control, and data handling

Tags: USA Space Systems

Source: 1752vc Careers, https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/rocket-lab-director-rf-payloads/