FPGA/ASIC Design 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 Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. The Digital and Integrated Circuit Electronics Department (DICED) resides within ESD and supports the design, modeling, simulation, verification, analysis, and test for microelectronics and digital electronic boards, FPGA/ASIC, boxes, subsystems, and systems for civil, commercial, and national space systems.  Our expertise in digital electronics—combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, rapid prototyping, industry-standard modeling and simulation capabilities—enables DICED to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

The Digital and Integrated Circuit Electronics Department (DICED) resides within ESD and supports the design, modeling, simulation, verification, analysis, and test for microelectronics and digital electronic boards, FPGA/ASIC, boxes, subsystems, and systems for civil, commercial, and national space systems.  Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, rapid prototyping, and extensive modeling and simulation capabilities, enables DICED to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Architect, design, implement, verify, and test advanced digital systems for FPGA/ASIC designs

• Support the development and test of software and firmware, including associated support test equipment (STE) software required in these digital design projects

• Leverage the use of state-of-the-art high-speed digital and microelectronic computer-aided design (CAD) tools and technology as well as design best practices

• Provide leadership to organize and lead technical teams in the design, development, test, and verification of microelectronics and digital electronics for civil, commercial, and national space systems 

• Lead the development of intra- and inter-organizational relationships to facilitate successful project execution and resource allocation while creating opportunities for other team members

• Apply technical skills and expertise in both front-end and back-end FPGA/ASIC firmware and/or embedded software designs to ensure program success

• Provide risk assessments and anomalies resolution for space FPGA/ASIC and electronic systems

• Provide written reports on electronic design project status and results, brief the customers and management on project status/results, and provide end of week reports

• Mentor other more junior staff and summer interns on ASIC/FPGA design best practices

• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Work Model: This position requires a minimum of three days per week on site in El Segundo, CA.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering or another related discipline

• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the design of FPGAs and ASICs using Hardware Description Language (HDL) and associated software design tools, as well as successful test and verification of final designs

• Proficient with VHDL and/or Verilog

• Work in a laboratory environment with FPGAs, evaluation boards, and associated test equipment

• Perform across multiple concurrent projects

• Work independently and manage individual tasks

• Provide deliverables and brief project management or customers on project progress and/or technical findings

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and team player

• Document projects in technical reports, presentations/briefs, and report findings to the customer and Aerospace management

• Willing to travel domestically up to 15% of time

• This position requires U.S citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance

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

• Minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in the design of FPGAs and ASICs using Hardware Description Language (HDL) and associated software design tools, as well as successful test and verification of final designs

• Lead teams in the design, development, test, and verification of FPGA/ASIC, digital, and microelectronic hardware

• Manage multiple, concurrent design and analysis projects

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering or another related discipline

• Twelve or more years of relevant working experience with digital and microelectronic hardware design, development, test, and verification

• Proficient with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++ and MATLAB within Unix/Linux programming environments

• Familiarity with SystemVerilog

• Experience with FPGA/ASIC design standards for space applications

• Expertise in supporting advanced optical sensor systems, including familiarity of focal plane array operation and testing

• Extensive experience mentoring junior staff in ASIC/FPGA design best practices

• Expert knowledge of high-speed digital design best practices, including signal integrity

• Current Top-Secret clearance with SCI access

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)

$117,300 - $226,900

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.