Senior FPGA Engineer I​/II Pipeline

Overview

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.

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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our team has enabled more than 1,700 missions and partners with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force to support missions to the Moon and Mars.

We are currently seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer I/II for a future opening on our FPGA team based out of Long Beach, CA. The team supports the Space Systems division and leads cutting-edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. As a Senior FPGA Engineer, you will be responsible for development and verification of FPGA firmware designs for the avionics systems in our spacecraft programs.

You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to design, implementation, verification, and testing. As an engineer on the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit. We’re looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines in developing firmware architecture and requirements
• Design and verify FPGA firmware for Xilinx and Microchip FPGA and SoC devices
• Develop documentation for FPGA operation and interfacing with other software and FPGA systems
• Participate in test campaigns, ranging from module-level to automated testing at the unit and system level

Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior FPGA Engineer I or Senior FPGA Engineer II level

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER I

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience with FPGA firmware development
• Proficiency in VHDL
• Strong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals and principles
• U.S. citizenship due to program requirements

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree
• 8+ years of experience with FPGA firmware development
• Proficiency in VHDL
• Strong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals and principles
• U.S. citizenship due to program requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degrees
• Proficiency with Xilinx and Microchip devices and tools
• Proficiency with verification frameworks including UVM and VUnit
• Experience with software defined radios and DSP algorithms
• Experience with feedback control systems
• Experience with FPGAs and embedded systems in a radiation environment, including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation within spacecraft avionics
• Proficiency with signal integrity concepts and digital timing with DWCCA
• Experience with SPI, UART, I2C, CAN
• Experience with high-speed interfaces including GigE and PCIe
• Proficiency with embedded software
• Proficiency with reading PCB designs and schematics
• Proficiency with lab tools and hardware
• GIT repository proficiency
• JIRA proficiency
• Experience with development in a CI environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment

• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly sit, use…