FPGA Engineer II
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.
About the role
We are currently seeking an FPGA Engineer II to join our FPGA team based in Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division and leads cutting-edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. As an FPGA Engineer II, you will develop and verify FPGA firmware designs for avionics systems in our spacecraft programs. You will collaborate with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to implementation, verification, and testing. As part of the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit.
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 software and FPGA systems
- Participate in test campaigns, ranging from module-level to automated testing at the unit and system level
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree
- 2+ 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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 a continuous integration environment
- Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities
Work Environment
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.
Benefits
- Competitive base pay with company stock as part of your total compensation package
- 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
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Subsidized EV charging
- Onsite fitness centers (where available) and discounted gym memberships
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
- 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise
- Various employee discounts
Pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $102,400 USD - $140,800 USD. Level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.