{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c74be7f9ffe045793387dbda","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c74be7f9ffe045793387dbda","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c74be7f9ffe045793387dbda","title":"FPGA Engineer II","description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\n\nRocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.\n\nSPACE SYSTEMS\n\nAt Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.\n\nOur Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.\n\nFPGA ENGINEER II\n\nWe are currently seeking an FPGA Engineer II for a future opening to join our FPGA team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. As a FPGA Engineer II, you will be responsible for development and verification of FPGA firmware designs for the avionics systems in our spacecraft programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to design, implementation, verification, and testing. As an engineer on the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit. We're looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.\n\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\n\nCollaborate with other engineering disciplines in developing firmware architecture and requirements\nDesign and verify FPGA firmware for Xilinx and Microchip FPGA and SoC devices\nDevelop documentation for FPGA operation and interfacing with other SW and FPGA systems\nParticipate in test campaigns, ranging from module-level to automated testing at the unit and system level\n\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FPGA ENGINEER II:\n\nBachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree\n2+ years of experience with FPGA firmware development\nProficiency in VHDL\nStrong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals and principles\nU.S. citizenship due to program requirements\n\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\n\nMaster's or PhD degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degrees\nProficiency with Xilinx and Microchip devices and tools\nProficiency with verification frameworks including UVM and VUnit\nExperience with software defined radios and DSP algorithms\nExperience with feedback control systems\nExperience with FPGAs and embedded systems in a radiation environment, including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation within spacecraft avionics\nProficiency with concepts in signal integrity and digital timing with experience in digital worst case circuit analysis (DWCCA)\nExperience working with common interface protocols including SPI, UART, I2C, and CAN\nExperience working with high-speed interface protocols including GigE and PCIe\nProficiency with embedded software\nProficiency in reading PCB designs and schematics\nProficiency with lab tools and working with hardware\nProficiency with GIT repository\nProficiency with JIRA\nExperience with development in continuous integration environment\nDemonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities\n\nThis 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.\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT\n\nWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.\n\nImportant information:\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\n\nTo 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.\n\nRocket 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.\n\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\n\nFor 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.\n\nUnder 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.","company":"Rocket Lab","rawCompany":"rocket lab","city":"Long Beach","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-08-14T15:57:30.708Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2061.00","title":"Computer Hardware Engineers","slug":"computer-hardware-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"FPGA Engineer II","description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\n\nRocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.\n\nSPACE SYSTEMS\n\nAt Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.\n\nOur Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.\n\nFPGA ENGINEER II\n\nWe are currently seeking an FPGA Engineer II for a future opening to join our FPGA team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge satellite programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. As a FPGA Engineer II, you will be responsible for development and verification of FPGA firmware designs for the avionics systems in our spacecraft programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of FPGA firmware design, from requirements definition to design, implementation, verification, and testing. As an engineer on the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit. We're looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.\n\nWHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:\n\nCollaborate with other engineering disciplines in developing firmware architecture and requirements\nDesign and verify FPGA firmware for Xilinx and Microchip FPGA and SoC devices\nDevelop documentation for FPGA operation and interfacing with other SW and FPGA systems\nParticipate in test campaigns, ranging from module-level to automated testing at the unit and system level\n\nYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FPGA ENGINEER II:\n\nBachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree\n2+ years of experience with FPGA firmware development\nProficiency in VHDL\nStrong understanding of FPGA design fundamentals and principles\nU.S. citizenship due to program requirements\n\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\n\nMaster's or PhD degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degrees\nProficiency with Xilinx and Microchip devices and tools\nProficiency with verification frameworks including UVM and VUnit\nExperience with software defined radios and DSP algorithms\nExperience with feedback control systems\nExperience with FPGAs and embedded systems in a radiation environment, including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation within spacecraft avionics\nProficiency with concepts in signal integrity and digital timing with experience in digital worst case circuit analysis (DWCCA)\nExperience working with common interface protocols including SPI, UART, I2C, and CAN\nExperience working with high-speed interface protocols including GigE and PCIe\nProficiency with embedded software\nProficiency in reading PCB designs and schematics\nProficiency with lab tools and working with hardware\nProficiency with GIT repository\nProficiency with JIRA\nExperience with development in continuous integration environment\nDemonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities\n\nThis 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.\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT\n\nWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.\n\nImportant information:\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\n\nTo 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.\n\nRocket 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.\n\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.\n\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\n\nFor 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.\n\nUnder 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.","datePosted":"2026-08-14T15:57:30.708Z","dateModified":"2026-08-14T15:57:30.708Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rocket Lab","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Long Beach","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c74be7f9ffe045793387dbda"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c74be7f9ffe045793387dbda"}}