Senior FPGA Engineer I/II Pipeline

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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 FPGA ENGINEER I/II PIPELINE We are currently seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer I/II for a future opening on our FPGA team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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 concepts in signal integrity and digital timing with experience in digital worst case circuit analysis (DWCCA)
Experience working with common interface protocols including SPI, UART, I2C, and CAN
Experience working with high-speed interface protocols including GigE and PCIe
Proficiency with embedded software
Proficiency in reading PCB designs and schematics
Proficiency with lab tools and working with hardware
Proficiency with GIT repository
Proficiency with JIRA
Experience with development in continuous integration environment
Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities

Responsibilities

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 SW and FPGA systems
Participate in test campaigns, ranging from module-level to automated testing at the unit and system level

Benefits

top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage
3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
11 paid holidays per year
flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
paid parental leave
disability insurance
life insurance
access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
subsidized EV charging stations
onsite gym
food and drinks, and other discounts