RTL Firmware Engineer - Lunar Terrain Vehicle

RTL Firmware Engineer – Lunar Terrain Vehicle

Join Intuitive Machines as a RTL Firmware Engineer for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) program. This role focuses on developing RTL firmware and software modules for Xilinx Versal ACAP hardware to enable hardware‑accelerated autonomy, vision, and navigation functions in real time.

Employment in this role is contingent upon NASA selecting Intuitive Machines as a winner of the LTVS program, scheduled for announcement later in 2025.

• Design, implement, and optimize firmware and software pipelines for Xilinx Versal platforms.
• Develop accelerated kernels for AI/ML inference, image processing, and sensor fusion to support rover autonomy.
• Collaborate with autonomy and perception teams to identify compute bottlenecks and offload them into hardware acceleration.
• Implement RTL firmware, low‑level drivers, and middleware to integrate FPGA‑accelerated modules into rover software architecture.
• Perform hardware/software co‑design to balance workloads across CPUs, GPUs, and FPGA fabric.
• Develop and execute verification and validation tests for hardware‑accelerated modules under simulated lunar conditions.
• Support mission‑critical performance requirements for vision, navigation, and control systems.
• Generate documentation, design specifications, and test reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; MS preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in RTL firmware and software development.
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA programming (Xilinx/AMD preferred), including VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS.
• Familiarity with Xilinx Versal ACAP hardware, Vivado, Vitis, or equivalent FPGA tool chains.
• Familiarity with Embedded Linux (Peta Linux/Yocto).
• Experience with C/C++ and Python/Matlab for firmware and hardware integration.
• Background in real‑time systems, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Understanding of sensor data processing (camera, LiDAR, radar, IMU).

• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and integration of hardware acceleration into robotics frameworks.
• Background in computer vision, AI/ML inference (CNNs, SLAM, path planning).
• Familiarity with radiation‑tolerant FPGA design practices for space applications.
• Experience in NASA, defense, or spaceflight programs.
• Knowledge of DO‑254, DO‑178, or equivalent safety‑critical development standards.

EEOC Statement:
Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.