Embedded Software Engineer (mid level)

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to conduct research and development for innovative embedded prototypes in areas such as image and signal processing, accelerated computing, and AI/ML at the edge. The role supports next-generation satellite capabilities and translates research into mission-critical space systems for customers including Space Force’s Space Systems Command, the Space Development Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA. The position is full-time and 100% onsite in El Segundo, California. The description presents minimum qualifications for different Computer Engineering role levels: Senior Member of Technical Staff and Engineering Specialist. The Senior Member role requires at least five years of relevant hands-on experience; the Engineering Specialist role requires at least eight years and additional experience with technical communication, opportunity development, proposals, and project execution. Domestic travel of up to 10% is expected. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required, and U.S. citizenship is necessary to obtain one.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
For the Senior Member of Technical Staff level, at least 5 years of hands-on experience in embedded software development or embedded systems design.
For the Engineering Specialist level, at least 8 years of hands-on experience in embedded software development or embedded systems design.
Demonstrated depth in at least two of these 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, such as AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, or ST Microelectronics.
Proficiency with common embedded interfaces such as I2C, SPI, GPIO, and UART.
Ability to travel domestically up to 10%.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
For the Engineering Specialist level, ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including internal technical teams and external customers.
For the Engineering Specialist level, experience identifying new opportunities, developing and leading proposals, and executing awarded projects to completion.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience developing embedded software solutions for space, aerospace, or defense applications.
Ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams, especially on projects bridging CPU, FPGA, and GPU architectures.
Proficiency implementing AI/ML algorithms on embedded platforms using frameworks such as LiteRT (TensorFlow Lite), TensorRT, Vitis AI, or similar.
Experience using high-level synthesis (HLS) to accelerate and deploy algorithms on FPGAs.
Experience developing and optimizing CUDA kernels for embedded GPU applications.
Active Top-Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop embedded software solutions to evaluate novel processors and state-of-the-art onboard processing systems.
Rapidly prototype and test embedded software on platforms including Linux-based SoCs, embedded GPUs, FPGAs, application-specific accelerators, microcontrollers, and emerging processors.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to design and optimize algorithms for low-SWaP embedded implementations in image processing, signal processing, and AI/ML.
Partner with Aerospace’s small satellite team to demonstrate applications on orbit.
Work with Aerospace scientists to assess embedded processors’ radiation susceptibility and develop mitigations.
Propose and execute research projects that use emerging technologies to advance the department’s capabilities and technical expertise.
Engage with internal and external customers through project status updates, technical findings presentations, and technical demonstrations.
For the Engineering Specialist level, identify new opportunities, develop and lead proposals, and execute awarded projects to completion.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) plan with company-paid benefits based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs
Education assistance programs
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect