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