Embedded Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Embedded and Specialized Computing Department (ESCD) is seeking a Embedded HW/SW Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering) to perform research and development activities towards innovative hardware and software prototypes in areas such as high performance and accelerated computing, AI/ML implementation at the edge, and hardware security. These prototypes and resulting lessons learned are crucial for advancing the capability of the next generation of satellites, thus ensuring the United States’ continued dominance in space. Members of this team provide design and implementation support to a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Space Development Agency (SDA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil customers (e.g. NASA).

It is recognized that most applicants will not possess all the listed skills or have experience in all listed focus areas.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in either Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA, that combines a minimum of four regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

You will utilize your extensive embedded systems domain knowledge to perform research, develop HW and/or SW prototypes, and perform hands-on development to enable technology gains for the country’s defense and intelligence communities.

• Design embedded hardware and software solutions for the evaluation of novel space-based processors, emerging security technologies and vulnerabilities, and data exploitation via artificial intelligence
• Rapidly design and test embedded compute prototypes utilizing FPGAs, SoCs, Application Specific accelerators, MCUs, and other emerging processors
• Deliver embedded HW/SW solutions in the areas of AI at the edge, spacecraft security, and/or small satellites
• Work in partnership with Aerospace Corporation scientists to evaluate and test the radiation susceptibility of embedded processors and determine appropriate mitigations
• Share your experience and expertise through intentional mentoring and coaching of junior staff
• Propose and execute on research projects based on emerging technologies to advance the department's product and knowledge lines
• Proactively interact with internal and external customers by presenting project status, technical findings and technical demonstrations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering

• Bachelor's degree  in STEM or in  Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Eight (8) or more years of direct experience in the design of embedded systems, including both hardware and software
• Deep understanding and hands on experience in several of the following technical disciplines: embedded systems, PCB development, FPGA design, software development, or embedded Hardware security.
• Experience with several of the most prevalent hardware platforms and their corresponding tool suites including AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, ST Microelectronics, etc..
• Understanding of and previous experience implementing typical embedded interfaces: I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering include:

• Advanced degree in STEM or in Ele