FPGA Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

FPGA ENGINEER II

We are currently seeking an FPGA Engineer II 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 FPGA Engineer II 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. Were looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT YOULL 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FPGA ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters 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

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.