Embedded Software Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space - delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department (CMTD) is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to perform research and development activities towards innovative embedded prototypes in areas such as image and signal processing, accelerated computing, and AI/ML at the edge. Your work will directly advance next-generation satellite capabilities, ensuring the United States’ continued dominance in space. You will provide design and implementation support to a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Space Development Agency (SDA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and NASA, translating cutting-edge research into mission-critical space systems.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which is 100% onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

Develop embedded software solutions for evaluating novel processors and state-of-the-art on-board processing systems

Rapidly prototype and test embedded software on diverse platforms including Linux-based SoCs, embedded GPUs, FPGAs, application-specific accelerators, microcontrollers, and other emerging processors

Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to design and optimize algorithms for low SWaP embedded implementations across image processing, signal processing, and AI/ML application domains

Partner with Aerospace’s small satellite team to demonstrate applications on orbit

Work closely with Aerospace scientists to assess the radiation susceptibility of embedded processors and develop appropriate mitigations

Propose and execute research projects leveraging emerging technologies to advance the department's capabilities and technical expertise

Proactively engage with internal and external customers through project status updates, technical findings presentations, and technical demonstrations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff – Computer Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM field

5 or more years of hands-on experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems

Demonstrated depth in at least two of the following 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 (e.g., AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, ST Microelectronics)

Proficiency with common embedded interfaces (I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.)

Willing to travel domestically up to 10%

The 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering include :

8 years of hands-on experience in embedded software development or designing embedded systems

Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including internal technical teams and external customers

Demonstrated experience identifying new opportunities, developing and leading proposals, and executing awarded projects to completion

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience developing embedded software solutions for space, aerospace, or defense applications

Proven ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams, especially on projects that bridge heterogeneous computing (CPU, FPGA, GPU) architectures

Proficiency implementing AI/ML algorithms on embedded platforms utilizing frameworks such as LiteRT (TensorFlow Lite), TensorRT, Vitis AI, or similar

Experience leveraging high-level synthesis (HLS) to accelerate and deploy algorithms on FPGAs

Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing CUDA kernels for embedded GPU applications

Active Top-Secret clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $165,500.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically

Lead Change

Engage with Impact

Foster Innovation

Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other - the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment