Digital Communication and Signal Processing 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 Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on. Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

The Aerospace Corporation's Digital Communications Implementation Department uses software defined radio and FPGA technology to design digital transceivers. Join us on the leading edge of digital communications development.

Work Model: This position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Developing and implement signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS / GNSS receivers and/or communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing primarily on FPGA hardware 

• Analysis of signal processing performance using Matlab, Python, or similar simulation environments

• Prototyping of cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concept

• Research pertaining to advanced signal processing, GPS technology and/or re-configurable communication processing

• Creating document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues

What You Need to be Successful  - Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelors from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another related field  

• Five or more years of related experience (or pursuit of advanced degree) in an area of digital signal processing, GNSS positioning and navigation, alternative navigation techniques 

• Proficiency with any of the following: MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL

• Experience with DSP algorithm design and implementation

• Implementation of digital communication and/or DSP algorithms in hardware using FPGAs and/or ASICs

• Proficiency in Verilog or VHDL, logic implementation, and simulation tools for complex FPGA designs

• Detailed understanding of FPGA RTL design, hardware architecture, testbench design, synthesis, static timing analysis, timing closure, and clock domain crossing  

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Masters from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another related field  

• Solid laboratory experience troubleshooting digital hardware designs using logic analyzers / Chipscope / other measurement devices.  

• Work with GNURadio, USRPs, and the RFNoC framework  

• Programming of GPUs, hardware acceleration, process parallelization 

• Background with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes) 

• Linux, Real Time operating systems and DevOps tools (Jira, Git, Jenkins…) 

• Machine Learning experience

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 - Max)

$110,400 - $165,500

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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.