Senior Embedded Hardware 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Embedded and Specialized Computing Department is seeking a Senior Embedded Hardware Engineer passionate about building innovative hardware and software prototypes with a focus on rapid prototyping, spacecraft security, or accelerated computing. These prototypes and the associated lessons learned are used to make recommendations for government missions. Example projects include design of custom single-board processing payloads, cryptographic integration for small satellites, optimization of artificial intelligence toolchains for embedded use cases, and evaluation of novel architectures for customer missions. In this research-focused role, the ideal candidate would excel at both leading project teams and guiding to our customers directly.

Work Model

This position is a hybrid role and can work partially remotely, with onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design embedded hardware/software solutions to enable evaluation of space-based processors, emerging security technology, and data exploitation via artificial intelligence.
• Use a hardware/software co-design methodology to architect & build new systems.
• Act as lead responsible engineer to take ideas from concept to custom Printed Circuit Board delivery.
• Enable junior staff to learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship.
• Propose research projects based on emerging technologies to advance the department's product and knowledge lines.
• Advise on new or changing strategic imperatives for the department based on commercial technology shifts.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Embedded Hardware Engineer - Senior Project Leader:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12 or more years of experience in embedded systems with an emphasis on hardware design.
• Demonstrated ability as hardware lead including system requirements identification, design, parts selection, schematic development, simulation, and testing.
• Expertise in the design and layout of high density Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) for low SWaP applications.
• Experience with FPGA design (HDLs- VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog), hardware, and tools from some of the major vendors (e.g., AMD, Intel, Microsemi).
• Working knowledge of typical hardware interfaces: I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc. Working knowledge of typical subsystems (memory technologies, power supplies, etc.).
• Ability to obtain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Linux system bring-up a plus, e.g., U-Boot and Linux customization on ARM and RISC-V.
• Experience designing custom Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) for space flight i.e. radiation, I/O, and power considerations.
• Working knowledge of firmware development (baremetal or RTOS) on microcontrollers or SoCs.
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence with constrained resources, e.g. use of quantization in neural network applications.
• Experience with embedded security, e.g. cryptographic implementation, secure coding, and onboard security technologies.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Mid - Max)

$123,000 - $169,500 - $216,000

Pay Basis: Annual

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.