Embedded Software 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 an Embedded Software Engineer (Sr MTS/Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering) to perform research and development activities towards innovative embedded prototypes in areas such as image and signal processing, accelerated computing, and AI/ML implementation at the edge. 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).

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which is 100% onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop embedded software solutions for the evaluation of novel processors and state-of-the-art on-board processing systems
• Rapidly develop and test embedded software prototypes on Linux-based SoCs, embedded GPUs, FPGAs, application specific accelerators, microcontrollers, or other emerging processors
• Collaborate with engineers across the corporation to evaluate and optimize algorithms for embedded implementations
• Work in a wide range of application areas such as image processing, signal processing, and AI/ML algorithms for low SWaP, embedded implementations
• Collaborate with Aerospace’s small satellite team to demonstrate applications on orbit
• Work in partnership with Aerospace Corporation scientists to evaluate and test the radiation susceptibility of embedded processors and determine appropriate mitigations
• 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 Senior Member of Technical Staff – Computer Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM field
• 4 or more years of direct experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems
• Deep technical expertise with hands on experience in at least two of the following areas: embedded systems, software development, edge AI, or FPGA design
• Experience with leading hardware platforms and tool suites (e.g., AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, ST Microelectronics)
• Proficiency with common embedded interfaces (such as 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 Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering include:

• 8 years of direct experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems
• Experience translating and presenting in-depth technical material to both internal technical teams and external customers
• Demonstrated experience identifying opportunities, leading proposals, and executing awarded projects to completion

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams, especially in projects that bridge heterogeneous computing (CPU, FPGA, GPU) and embedded system solutions
• Skilled in implementing AI/ML algorithms on embedded platforms utilizing frameworks such as LiteRT (Tensorflow Lite), TensorRT, Vitis AI, or others
• Experience leveraging high-level synthesis (HLS) to accelerate and deploy algorithms on FPGAs
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing CUDA kernels for embedded applications
• Previous experience developing embedded software solutions for space applications
• Active Top-Secret clearance

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 - $193,500Pay 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 various 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.