Digital Design Engineer
About The Position
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. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. We are looking for a Digital Design Engineer (Project Engineer- General Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Engineering). This person will support CSG sitting in the Digital and Integrated Circuit Electronics Department (DICED) which resides within the Mission Payloads Division. MPD 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 laboratories, rapid prototyping, extensive modeling and simulation capabilities, and AI-assisted tools, enable DICED to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. This position will support the Avionic Systems Division’s Command and Data Handling Branch of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate. It will function as an FPGA design engineer providing design support to various human exploration programs. The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited university, with 8+ years of experience in engineering/scientific roles related to digital and microelectronic hardware.
- Experience in FPGA/ASIC design using hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, and/or System Verilog and CAD tools.
- Experience with the design, implement, test, and verification of advanced FPGA/ASIC, boards, units, and systems for digital electronics applications
- Experience in high-speed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designs from schematic capture, parts placement, signal routing, stack-up, and board layout.
- Hands-on troubleshooting skills and proficient in lab equipment and measurements for hardware anomalies and failures, with experience in root-cause analysis and resolution in digital and mixed-signal circuits and subsystems.
- Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams across design, manufacturing, test, and integration.
- Serve as the technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader on multiple programs, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and documentation skills; ability to work on-site at least 4 days per week, travel up to 25% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on knowledge of space qualification for electrical components, radiation effects, board/component-level radiation testing, and worst-case circuit analysis (WCCA), including use of analysis tools (HyperLynx, PSPICE).
- Experience with space hardware and/or FPGA designs.
- Advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
- Proven ability to identify risks and lead risk reduction initiatives in digital and mixed-signal electronics systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in the full lifecycle of digital and mixed-signal systems—concept, requirements, design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test at all system levels.
- Strong knowledge of mixed-signal analog design, including active filters, precision current drives, data converter support circuitry, and related simulation techniques.
- Skilled in signal integrity simulation, analysis, and testing, with a solid background in transmission line theory, electromagnetics, PCB, and package layout techniques.
- In-depth understanding of high-speed digital communications, space payload electronics and subsystems, C&DH systems, and digital signal processing;
- Ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
- Experience with space system engineering practices and standards
- Experience working closely with customers and/or contractors.
- Experience in human space flight
- Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle
Responsibilities
- Utilize cutting-edge digital design tools, technologies, and best practices to design, implement, test, and verify advanced FPGA/ASIC, boards, units, and systems for digital electronics applications.
- Perform independent verification and validation of contractor designs (boards, units, and FPGA/ASIC) to ensure requirement conformances.
- Develop and test software/scripts, firmware, and support test equipment (STE) for hardware testing.
- Provide on-site presence and support at contractor facilities for technical meetings, reviews, hardware testing, and troubleshooting.
- Lead technical teams or work independently, fostering collaboration across both internal and external organizations to ensure resource alignment and project success.
- Conduct risk assessments and resolve anomalies for FPGA/ASIC, electronic hardware, and systems.
- Prepare and brief technical reports and project updates to customers, management, and other stakeholders.
- Mentor staff and interns on design processes and best practices.
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
