Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

1d • $95,200 - $165,500 • Onsite

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. xLab develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address customer needs rapidly. The Small Satellite Department focuses on developing and operating small satellite missions, aiming to advance technologies, improve reliability, and promote a mission-centric approach. This role offers an opportunity for innovation in a fast-paced instrument development environment with direct access to and mentoring by senior staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related technical discipline
• 1 or more years of industry work experience (for Member of Technical Staff)
• 4 or more years of industry work experience (for Sr. Member of Technical Staff)
• Programming experience with Linux user-space programs or kernel drivers
• Working knowledge of RTOS and embedded Linux development, resiliency and fault tolerance techniques, bus, data communication and networking protocols (for Sr. Member of Technical Staff)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• U.S. citizenship

Nice To Haves

• Masters or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline
• Familiarity with C, Python, Rust, and Bash
• Deep expertise with Linux Operating Systems and shell commands
• Embedded systems development experience, e.g., working knowledge of real-time design, verification workflow, etc.
• Familiarity with standard electrical interfaces: RS232/RS422 (UART), SPI, i2C, USB and ethernet
• Hardware debugging skills & experience with power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes and/or logic analyzers
• Large systems experience, e.g., workload orchestration and containerization, engineering geographically dispersed services, multi-vendor services integration
• Experience with Machine Learning libraries such as PyTorch or GPU frameworks such as CUDA
• Familiarity with containerization platforms such as Docker

Responsibilities

• Developing software for a Linux Operating System that will run on high-performance computing hardware in space to support Machine Learning and autonomy experiments
• Testing the functionality of custom designed electronics and their interfacing with other boards using protocols such as I2C, UART, and Ethernet
• Designing, testing, and debugging embedded user-space Linux software for sensor data processing, potentially using Machine Learning models running on a GPU
• Assisting with software releases, deployments, and documentation
• Coordinating with subsystem leads to define software requirements and interfaces
• Developing software libraries and applications to support satellites testing and operation

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level