Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$124k–$171k/yr
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 f…
Skills: RF systems, Systems engineering, Mission architecture, Payload design, Link budgets
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: RF systems, Systems engineering, Mission architecture, Link budgets, Antenna architectures
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$90k–$125k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Structural Design, CAD, NX, Nastran, ANSYS
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$116k–$194k/yr
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you …
Skills: Electrical engineering, Power electronics, Schematic capture, Circuit simulation, PCB layout
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$116k–$194k/yr
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you …
Skills: Power electronics, Traction inverters, Circuit design, PCB layout, Thermal analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$104k–$156k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Manufacturing engineering, Mechanical assembly, Hardware testing, Root cause analysis, GD&T
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$77k–$96k/yr
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 f…
Skills: IT support, Team leadership, Ticket management, Troubleshooting, Windows
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$137k–$195k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Mission operations, Technical training, Spacecraft systems engineering, Telemetry analysis, Flight controller training
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$24/hr–$47/hr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: PCBA soldering, IPC-J-STD-001 Space Addendum, Electronics hand tools, Programmable power supplies, DMMs
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$98k–$171k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Teamcenter, NX, PLM, Python, C++
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$150k–$284k/yr
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you …
Skills: Program management, Vehicle planning, Cross-functional team leadership, Product development, Strategic planning
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$150k–$284k/yr
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you …
Skills: Program management, Vehicle development, Strategy, Cross-functional team leadership, Product management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$27/hr–$40/hr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Adhesive Bonding, Surface Preparation, Vacuum Bagging, TPS Manufacturing, Blueprint Reading
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$134k–$178k/yr
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 f…
Skills: Technical accounting, SEC reporting, US GAAP, ASC 606, ASC 805
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$143k–$215k/yr
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 f…
Skills: FPGA Firmware Development, VHDL, Xilinx, Microchip, UVM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$143k–$239k/yr
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 f…
Skills: VHDL, FPGA Design, Xilinx, Microchip SoC, UVM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$135k–$150k/yr
What is JetZero? Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningfu…
Skills: Lab commissioning, Configuration documentation, System shakeout, Test readiness review, Troubleshooting
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$21/hr–$27/hr
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 f…
Skills: Inventory management, Receiving, Kitting, Cycle counting, FIFO
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$21/hr–$27/hr
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 f…
Skills: Logistics coordination, International shipping, Freight forwarding, Customs regulations, ITAR compliance
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$112k–$196k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Electrical engineering, PCB design, Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, KiCad
Long Beach, California, United States • On-site
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
You will architect clean-sheet RF payloads and define mission topologies while balancing complex technical constraints. Additionally, you will drive technical capture by working with customers to frame trade-offs and authoring winning technical narratives for proposals.
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a technical discipline and at least 5 years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems. An active TS/SCI security clearance is required for this role.
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.
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.
Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Mission Architect who thrives at the front end of the mission lifecycle. We operate on a work fast, bid fast, build fast cadence. We design and manufacture high-performance payload products that serve as the building blocks for next-generation tactical satcom, space-based sensing, and direct-to-cell constellations.
In this role, you hold primary technical ownership over how our core product line evolves to capture new missions. You will balance link budgets, antenna architectures, digital vs analog components, SWaP-C constraints and then some —while authoring those trades into winning technical concepts for defense and commercial customers.
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.
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 [email protected].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.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 849 listings with disclosed salaries, most engineering jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $80k–$220k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 939 open engineering positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Vast, Ford Motor Company, True Anomaly, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 183 of the 939 open engineering positions offer remote or hybrid work (10 remote, 173 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
