FPGA Engineer II
Rocket LabJob Title
FPGA Engineer II
Role Summary
Member of the Space Systems FPGA team in Long Beach, CA developing and verifying FPGA firmware for spacecraft avionics. The role covers requirements, architecture, implementation, verification, documentation, and test from module to system level.
Work cross-functionally with electrical, software, and systems engineers and support test campaigns including on-orbit operation.
Experience Level
Mid-level. The role expects approximately 2+ years of FPGA firmware development experience.
Responsibilities
Core responsibilities include:
- Define firmware requirements and collaborate on architecture with cross-discipline teams.
- Design and implement FPGA firmware for Xilinx and Microchip FPGA and SoC devices.
- Develop and maintain verification tests and supporting documentation for FPGA interfaces and operation.
- Participate in test campaigns from module-level bench tests to automated unit and system testing.
- Support integration, troubleshooting, and on-orbit operations of deployed systems.
Requirements
Must-have qualifications:
- 2+ years of FPGA firmware development experience.
- Proficiency in VHDL and strong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals.
- Ability to develop verification and test artifacts for firmware.
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or other status satisfying U.S. export-control program requirements.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with Xilinx and Microchip devices and toolflows.
- Familiarity with verification frameworks such as UVM and VUnit.
- Experience with software-defined radios, DSP algorithms, or feedback control systems.
- Experience with FPGAs in radiation environments (SEU/SEL mitigation) and digital worst case circuit analysis (DWCCA).
- Experience with common interfaces (SPI, UART, I2C, CAN) and high-speed interfaces (GigE, PCIe).
- Embedded software experience, PCB/schematic reading, lab hardware skills, and use of GIT/JIRA/CI workflows.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering or another engineering discipline is required. Master’s or PhD in a related engineering field is preferred.
About the Company
Company: Rocket Lab
Headquarters: Long Beach, California, United States
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, known for its Electron rocket which has been providing reliable access to orbit since 2018. The company supports various space missions such as scientific exploration and Earth observation, and is developing the Neutron rocket for future payloads. With a focus on innovation, Rocket Lab has been instrumental in over 1,700 missions including high-profile projects like the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Psyche Mission.
