Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

19h•$110,400 - $193,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation's Experiment Lab (xLab) is seeking a Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer to support small satellite payloads and spacecraft sub-systems. This role offers the opportunity for an individual to innovate in a fast-paced instrument development environment with direct access to and mentoring by senior staff. The position is located in El Segundo, requiring at least 4 days onsite.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline
Three or more years of related experience (for Senior Member of Technical Staff)
Embedded systems development experience, e.g., working knowledge of real-time design, verification workflow, etc.
Programming experience with embedded microcontrollers or microprocessors
Hardware debugging skills & experience with power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes and/or logic analyzers
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.
Six or more years of total relevant experience (for Engineering Specialist)
Deep knowledge of RTOS and embedded Linux development, resiliency and fault tolerance techniques, bus, data communication and networking protocols
Large systems experience, e.g., workload orchestration and containerization, engineering geographically dispersed services, multi-vendor services integration

Nice To Haves

Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline
Advanced Linux kernel knowledge including device tree customization, kernel module/driver development, board bring-up, and bootloader configuration (U-Boot)
Hands-on experience with FPGA design tools (Xilinx Vivado), HDL programming (VHDL/Verilog), soft-core processor integration (MicroBlaze), and hardware-software co-design
Proficiency with enterprise networking concepts including SSH tunneling/port forwarding, VPN configuration and troubleshooting, router/firewall configuration, iptables, network segmentation, and protocol analysis tools
Familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators), digital modulation schemes, and RF signal processing
Domain expertise in specialized technical areas such as flight dynamics/orbital mechanics, machine learning/AI algorithms, precision timing systems (atomic clocks, GPS-disciplined oscillators), radiation/photonic sensing, scientific instrumentation, or laser/optical systems
Experience with diagnostics, maintenance, or operation of environmental test facilities (thermal/vacuum chambers, vibration tables, etc.) and associated instrumentation (i.e., National Instruments data acquisition tools with Labview/python)

Responsibilities

Develop microcontroller-scale computer architectures for small satellite embedded systems (e.g., Microchip PIC, Arm Cortex-M0/M4/M7)
Design, test, and debug embedded microcontroller/microprocessor applications
Assist with software releases, deployments, and documentation
Coordinate with subsystem leads to define software requirements and interfaces
Develop software libraries and applications to support satellites testing and operations

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