Small Satellite Embedded Software 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 engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges. The Small Satellite Department conceives, develops, and operates small satellite missions in partnership with a broad array of customers. The department comprises a core group of 15-20 engineers and technologists. As a leader in the development and operation of small satellite systems, we look to the next decade of advancing technologies and capabilities, improving reliability, and promoting a mission-centric approach to system development. The team is currently seeking a Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Embedded Software Engineering) to support small satellite payloads and spacecraft sub-systems. The position offers the opportunity for a creative individual to innovate in a fast-paced instrument development environment where direct access to and mentoring by senior staff are provided to accelerate the learning process. This 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
- 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 (for Engineering Specialist)
- Large systems experience, e.g., workload orchestration and containerization, engineering geographically dispersed services, multi-vendor services integration (for Engineering Specialist)
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
