Embedded Software Engineer (mid level)

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 Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department (CMTD) is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to perform research and development activities towards innovative embedded prototypes in areas such as image and signal processing, accelerated computing, and AI/ML at the edge. Your work will directly advance next-generation satellite capabilities, ensuring the United States’ continued dominance in space. You will 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 NASA, translating cutting-edge research into mission-critical space systems.

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 evaluating novel processors and state-of-the-art on-board processing systems
• Rapidly prototype and test embedded software on diverse platforms including Linux-based SoCs, embedded GPUs, FPGAs, application-specific accelerators, microcontrollers, and other emerging processors
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to design and optimize algorithms for low SWaP embedded implementations across image processing, signal processing, and AI/ML application domains
• Partner with Aerospace’s small satellite team to demonstrate applications on orbit
• Work closely with Aerospace scientists to assess the radiation susceptibility of embedded processors and develop appropriate mitigations
• Propose and execute research projects leveraging emerging technologies to advance the department's capabilities and technical expertise
• Proactively engage with internal and external customers through project status updates, technical findings presentations, 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
• 5 or more years of hands-on experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems
• Demonstrated depth in at least two of the following areas: embedded systems design and development, software development for resource-constrained environments, edge AI/ML implementation, or FPGA design and development
• Experience with leading hardware platforms and tool suites (e.g., AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, ST Microelectronics)
• Proficiency with common embedded interfaces (I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.)
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%
• The 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 hands-on experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including internal technical teams and external customers
• Demonstrated experience identifying new opportunities, developing and 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 (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Experience developing embedded software solutions for space, aerospace, or defense applications
• Proven ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams, especially on projects that bridge heterogeneous computing (CPU, FPGA, GPU) architectures
• Proficiency implementing AI/ML algorithms on embedded platforms utilizing frameworks such as LiteRT (TensorFlow Lite), TensorRT, Vitis AI, or similar
• Experience leveraging high-level synthesis (HLS) to accelerate and deploy algorithms on FPGAs
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing CUDA kernels for embedded GPU 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)

$110,400.00 - $193,500.00

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 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.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.