Sr. FPGA Engineer I

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Onsite facilities

Discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Sr. FPGA Engineer to develop and verify FPGA firmware designs for spacecraft avionics systems. This role involves collaboration across engineering disciplines and participation in testing. Ideal candidates have extensive FPGA development experience and proficiency in VHDL.

The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health benefits, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with company match, alongside opportunities for growth and employee equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ or 8+ years of experience in FPGA firmware development depending on level.
• Proficiency in VHDL and strong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines in firmware architecture.
• Design and verify FPGA firmware for various devices.
• Participate in test campaigns for firmware.

Skills

VHDL

FPGA firmware development

Electrical engineering

Computer engineering

FPGA design fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering

Tools

Xilinx FPGA

Microchip devices and tools

GIT

JIRA

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking a Sr. FPGA Engineer for a future opening to join 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 Sr. 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 are looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Get To Do

• 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

Qualifications – 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

Qualifications – 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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• 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

Important Information

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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, paid time off, holidays, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Other perks include employee stock purchase program, onsite facilities, and discounts.

What To Expect: We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, with a culture of hard work, teamwork, and innovation. We thrive under pressure and focus on delivering results.

Security and Compliance

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain necessary authorizations. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant and may include nationality checks related to ITAR.