Senior FPGA Engineer

Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior FPGA Engineer at Rocket Lab will play a crucial role in the development and verification of FPGA firmware designs for avionics systems in spacecraft programs. This position involves collaboration with various engineering disciplines and encompasses all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to testing. The role is integral to supporting cutting-edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers, providing opportunities to test and operate systems on-orbit.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Nice-to-haves

• 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

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
• Dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts