Senior Manager, Signal Processing

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket 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 SYSTEMS

At 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.

SENIOR MANAGER, SIGNAL PROCESSING

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Manager, Signal Processing is responsible for the algorithm development for new digital payload products including advanced radar payloads (Synthetic Aperture Radar and space-based radar systems), modems, processors, and network routers. The DSP Algorithms Lead will take the design from initial concept through inflight operations. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of DSP knowledge and system design, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Engineering Management

• Define appropriate engineering processes for new algorithms development including activities, milestones and engineering reviews, ensuring general compliance with best practice systems engineering process
• Support the development and maintenance of program schedules
• Task, support and monitor engineers throughout the engineering process
• Ensure engineering process and associated documentation products are traceable from requirements through design, implementation and verification

Algorithms Development

• Set technical roadmap for the development of DSP algorithms
• Design, develop, and optimize DSP algorithms for signal processing tasks such as filtering, modulation, demodulation, compression, noise reduction, and feature extraction.
• Architect the digital product design
• Lead the development process, ensuring key design decisions and developments are in alignment with the required product capabilities
• Lead the development of test plans and procedures
• Lead the design and development of GSE and production automation
• Support the development of product documentation including ICDs and User Manuals
• Liaise with hardware design, FPGA, and software engineers to design, build, test, and deliver a completed product
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in DSP technologies and methodologies
• Implement solutions to improve system performance and efficiency

Customer/Program Support

• Liase with customers and program team in support of current programs and new business proposals
• Review proposals and requirements specifications to assess compliance based on existing unit capabilities vs development needs
• Scope and drive development activities for new requirements
• Drive key design decisions in support of the product technical roadmap
• Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs
• Provide technical support to internal/external customers including general questions and anomaly troubleshooting
• Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules to ensure the needs of customers and programs are satisfied

Team Building

• Grow a team of 3-4 engineers for DSP algorithms
• Mentor junior engineers for career growth
• Familiarize DSP algorithm concepts across teams

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR MANAGER, SIGNAL PROCESSING:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering (or an equivalent qualification) and 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in space electronics with technical expertise in high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet), system on chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing.
• Experience in developing and delivering a digital product including assessing requirements, prototyping engineering models, and producing space worthy products.
• Detailed knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and communication theory
• A demonstrated track record of owning a technical program, product, or team end to end and carrying it across the finish line under real pressure, we hire on what you've shipped, not years logged
• Evidence you've moved real hardware and software from prototype toward scalable, flight-ready production
• Understanding of the nuances of transponders, SAR, or advanced communication systems
• US citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain TS / SCI

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS / SCI
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing RF communications systems for launch vehicles or satellites
• Extensive experience supporting and leading complex engineering programs and developing associated documentation
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others.
• Experience leading incident management and investigations.
• Experience in conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Willing to work extra hours and weekends as needed to meet critical business needs

This 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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$223,025—$339,400 USD

Base Salary

$173,300—$259,850 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’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 information:

FOR 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.