High-Speed Digital Design Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation's Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers' hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for a High-Speed Digital Design Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - General Integrated Circuit Design Engineering) with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today's challenges. We need a skilled high-speed digital interface engineer to design, develop, and validate cutting-edge communication systems for space and ground applications. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.
Requirements
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM discipline
- 4 or more years of professional experience in high-speed digital interface design
- Hands-on design and implementation experience with Ethernet protocols (10/100/1000 Mbps), SGMII, 1000BASE-X, or similar high-speed serial interfaces
- Working knowledge of Ethernet PHY layer specifications and IEEE 802.3 standards
- Demonstrated experience with PCB design and layout requirements for high-speed signals including impedance control, differential pairs, and layer stackup considerations
- Proficiency with signal integrity testing equipment and techniques (oscilloscopes, TDR, VNA, eye diagrams, jitter analysis, BERT, spectrum analyzers)
- Strong troubleshooting and lab debugging skills for high-speed digital systems
- Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium, Cadence OrCAD, Mentor Graphics)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.
- 6 or more years of professional experience in high-speed digital interface design and implementation (for Engineering Specialist)
- Proven track record of leading complex hardware development projects from concept through production or prototype delivery (for Engineering Specialist)
Nice To Haves
- Experience with advanced protocols such as 10GBASE-KR, PCIe, USB 3.x, or other multi-gigabit serial standards
- Proficiency with signal integrity simulation tools (e.g., HyperLynx, HFSS, CST, ADS)
- Experience with FPGA-based interface implementations and embedded system integration
- Knowledge of space-grade component selection, radiation effects, and design for harsh environments
- Experience designing high-speed circuits for optical communications, including modulator drivers, TIAs, or SerDes front-ends
Responsibilities
- Design and develop high-speed digital interfaces for xLab prototype systems supporting Department of Defense and civil space customers
- Perform board-level design, schematic capture, and layout coordination for Ethernet, SGMII, 1000BASE-X, and similar high-speed serial interfaces
- Conduct signal integrity analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure robust performance in challenging operational environments
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including RF engineers, software developers, and system architects to integrate communication subsystems
- Support hardware bring-up, validation testing, and system integration activities for flight and ground demonstration systems
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers on high-speed design 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
