{"id":3105806,"url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii","title":"Senior FPGA Engineer II","company":{"id":684473,"name":"Rocket Lab","domain":"rocketlab.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/rocketlab-2","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":79,"open_postings":90,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.811,"repost_share":0.022,"time_to_fill_p50_days":39,"computed_at":"2026-10-25T05:49:26Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Long Beach, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130000,"max":229100,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":229100},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"VHDL","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":true},{"name":"UVM","optional":true},{"name":"VUnit","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-22T16:40:42Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-22","last_verified_at":"2026-10-25T08:01:15Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"ABOUT ROCKET LAB\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.\nSPACE SYSTEMS\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.\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. \nSENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II \nWe are currently seeking a Senior 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 Sr. 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.\nWHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: \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\nYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II:\nBachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering; or other engineering degree\n8+ 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\nTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:\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\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.\nAnticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.\nJoin one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.\nOur comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.\nAdditional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.\nLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.\nTotal Compensation (base and equity)\n$130,000—$229,100 USD\nBase Salary\n$143,300—$191,000 USD\nWHAT TO EXPECT \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. \nImportant information:\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:\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.\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.\nApplicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at . 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.\nFOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:\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. \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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":8761,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Gym membership","Life insurance","Parental leave","Retirement plans"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Launch Services","Satellite Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-22T19:06:43Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"H-1B filings in 12 months: 9 · green card filings: 1","filings_12m":9,"filings_prev_12m":4,"green_card_filings_12m":1,"median_offered_wage_usd":177500,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-15T11:24:14+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)","US Department of Labor: PERM disclosure data (green cards)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":63,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.632,"p_room":1,"age_days":2,"expected_fill_days":39,"reasons":["conf:1","stale_co","velocity","win:early","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-25T05:49:26Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":229100,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/rocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-25T09:46:40Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":13975,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-26T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684473},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684473"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Frocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Frocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Frocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/rocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Frocket-lab-senior-fpga-engineer-ii"}]}