Senior FPGA Engineer – Space Payloads & HDL

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Senior Firmware Engineer II to design FPGA firmware for space payloads and support Tranche 3 ODASA programs. You will develop high‑reliability FPGA solutions for electro‑optical systems and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires a strong background in VHDL, FPGA design, and C/Python/MATLAB experience, with the ability to obtain personnel security clearance. Occasional travel and lab work are possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience writing FPGA firmware from scratch in VHDL.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work with hardware design team on requirements and timelines.
• Perform FPGA logic design, coding, simulation, and testing.
• Support hardware and software teams in bring-up and test of products.
• Provide SME guidance on design and automated test procedures for customers and production.

Skills

FPGA firmware

VHDL

Security clearance

C

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE

Tools

Xilinx Versal

FPGA design

AXI interfaces

DDR4

Altium

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Senior Firmware Engineer II to design FPGA firmware for space payloads and support Tranche 3 ODASA programs. You will develop high‑reliability FPGA solutions for electro‑optical systems and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires a strong background in VHDL, FPGA design, and C/Python/MATLAB experience, with the ability to obtain personnel security clearance. Occasional travel and lab work are possible.