Sr. FPGA Engineer I​/II

Principal FPGA Engineer

We are currently seeking a Principal FPGA Engineer for a future opening to join our FPGA team based out of Long Beach, CA. This role supports our Space Systems division and leads cutting‑edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. As a Principal FPGA Engineer you will develop and verify FPGA firmware designs for the avionics systems in our spacecraft programs, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineers and participating in all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to implementation, verification, and testing.

• 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 software and FPGA systems
• Participate in test campaigns, ranging from module‑level to automated testing at the unit and system level

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree
• 12+ 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

• 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

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.

Base salary range (CA Only): $163,500 – $272,500 USD.

• Company equity
• Top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company‑sponsored 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
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts

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.