Small Satellite 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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
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. 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. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
This position is available as a Member of Technical Staff or Sr. Member of Technical Staff
What You’ll Be Doing
As the Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer, you will support small satellite payloads and spacecraft sub-systems
The department comprises a core group of 15-20 engineers and technologists and leverages expertise from across Aerospace’s deep technical backbone for specialty engineering
You will help develop microcontroller-scale computer architectures for small satellite embedded systems (e.g., Microchip PIC, Vorago Cortex-M0/M4, Xlinix Zynq)
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
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Member of Technical Staff
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline
Typically (2) or more years of professional or related experience
Embedded systems development experience, e.g., working knowledge of real-time design, verification workflow, etc.
Hardware debugging skills & experience with power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes and/or logic analyzers
Programming experience with embedded microcontrollers or microprocessors
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Capacity to work on multiple tasks concurrently
Excellent technical written and oral communication skills
This position requires 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.
Sr. Member of Technical Staff
Same requirements as a Member of Technical Staff noted above, in addition to:
Typically (5) or more years of professional or related experience
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Member of Technical Staff or Sr. Member of Technical Staff
Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline
Familiarity with C, Python, MATLAB and LabVIEW
Familiarity with standard electrical interfaces: RS232/RS422 (UART), SPI, i2C, USB and ethernet
Working 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
Experience with ReactJS, Bootstrap, and Python web frameworks (Django, Flask, …)
Familiarity with containerization platforms such as Docker
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 diverse 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.