Team Lead - RF Ground Segment

Rocket Lab  · Auckland, NZ  · May 4, 2026

Rocket 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. Our 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. At Rocket Lab, we don’t just launch rockets - we build the systems that connect them to Earth. From mission-critical communications to global ground networks, our RF team keeps every launch and satellite linked, locked, and performing. We’re looking for an RF Team Lead – Ground Segment to take ownership of the systems that make mission success possible. This is more than a leadership role - it’s your chance to own and evolve the ground segment behind our launch and space systems. You’ll lead a tight-knit team of engineers and technicians, driving the design, development, and operation of Rocket Lab’s ground-based RF communications and...

Responsibilities:
Set direction, coach performance, and build capability in a team responsible for critical RF infrastructure.
Act as the SME and product owner for ground station systems, covering RF performance, network architecture, modems, and mission interfaces.
Drive development, commissioning, and upgrades of ground stations and global networks.
Partner with SpaceOps to prepare for missions, support operations, and ensure systems are ready when it counts.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, and program teams, plus external ground station providers - to deliver end-to-end solutions.
Contribute to strategic projects, roadmap new capabilities, and support business development with RF expertise.
Requirements:
Proven RF leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and engage teams while consistently delivering under fast-paced, high-pressure timelines.
Strong fundamentals in RF design: link budgets, cascaded analysis, modulation/coding.
Experience with RF test and verification (VNAs, spectrum analysers, system-level testing).
Knowledge of IP networking and real-world RF system deployment.
Apply Now
Company
Rocket Lab
Location
Auckland, NZ
Job Type
Full-time
Category
RF / Microwave
Posted
May 4, 2026
Source
Original posting ↗
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