Senior FPGA Engineer I​/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 rocket has 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.

At Rocket Lab Robotics, we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of what's 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. We have engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA’s 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. We're looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Senior Firmware Engineer I/II 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.

We're looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.

• 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.
• Debug 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.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Senior Firmware Engineer I or Senior Firmware Engineer II levels)

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 5+ years of experience.
• 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.
• Experience with…