Senior FPGA Engineer II
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer II for a future opening with its FPGA team in Long Beach, California. The team supports the Space Systems division and satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. The role develops and verifies FPGA firmware designs for spacecraft avionics, collaborating with engineers across disciplines throughout requirements definition, architecture, design, implementation, verification, and testing. The position also offers opportunities to test and operate systems on orbit. The posting emphasizes spacecraft electrical hardware design and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering, or another engineering degree.
- At least 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.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or PhD degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering, or another engineering degree.
- 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 impacts and mitigation within spacecraft avionics.
- Proficiency in signal integrity and digital timing concepts, with experience in digital worst-case circuit analysis (DWCCA).
- Experience with common interface protocols including SPI, UART, I2C, and CAN.
- Experience 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 repositories.
- Proficiency with JIRA.
- Experience developing in a continuous integration environment.
- Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to develop 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 testing to automated unit- and system-level testing.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a significant company HSA 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.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
