Senior FPGA Engineer III

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.

ROCKET LAB ROBOTICS

At Rocket Lab Robotics we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of whats possible in space. From Mars-proven robotic arms to precision motion control systems for the most demanding environments in our solar system our team delivers advanced electro-mechanical solutions for planetary exploration and various satellite programs. Weve engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASAs Perseverance rover supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program and developed precision mechanisms for spacecraft subsystems including solar array drives antenna gimbals and optical payloads. As part of Rocket Lab we combine the focus of small dedicated robotics teams with the resources of a leading end-to-end space company empowering some of the boldest missions in history. Were looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

SENIOR FIRMWARE ENGINEER I/II

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena CA the Senior Firmware Engineer I/II you will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our robotics programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of electrical hardware development from requirements definition through design prototyping fabrication testing and production. As an engineer on the robotics development team you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit. Were looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO

• End to end ownership of IP and algorithms for robotics and motor control applications.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team on requirements and documentation.
• Complete FPGA logic design coding simulation and testing
• Perform synthesis implementation and timing analysis.
• Debugging of hardware in the lab with the use of logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Support hardware and software development teams with verification and validation.
• Develop FPGA test firmware and support automated test equipment (ATE) for production.
• Provide subject-matter expertise regarding debug design and automated test development.
• Perform research and analysis of data such as customer proposed specifications datasheets or manuals to determine design approach and/or feasibility.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Firmware Engineer I or Senior Firmware Engineer II levels)

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR FIRMWARE ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 5 years of experience for level I or 8 years of experience for level II
• 5 years of experience in FPGA firmware design with Verilog specifically creating IP from scratch
• Able to develop blank sheet of paper design concepts
• Experience in motor control applications
• Experience in analog signal chains including an FPGA
• Experience in digital signal processing
• Proficiency in FPGA verification and validation
• Experience with software interfaces
• Interrupts and DMA.
• Familiarity AXI Memory Mapped interfaces.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR FIRMWARE ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 8 years of experience for level I or 8 years of experience for level II
• 5 years of experience in FPGA firmware design with Verilog specifically creating IP from scratch
• Able to develop blank sheet of paper design concepts
• Experience in motor control applications
• Experience in analog signal chains including an FPGA
• Experience in digital signal processing
• Proficiency in FPGA verification and validation
• Experience with software interfaces
• Interrupts and DMA.
• Familiarity AXI Memory Mapped interfaces.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience implementing real-time control signal processing data acquisition machine vision or sensor-interface algorithms in FPGA fabric.
• Experience with Field-Oriented-Control
• Experience with FPGAs and embedded systems in a radiation environment
• including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation.
• Experience with board bring-up and debug utilizing logic analyzers oscilloscopes etc.
• Experience in FPGA with single precision floating point math
• PCB design and schematic capture and layout with tools such as Altium Designer.
• Experience with Librero
• Experience with modeling systems such as Simulink
• Familiarity with C Python or MATLAB and/or experience translating algorithms from a scripted language to HDL.

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.