Embedded Software Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA

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

• 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

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $165,500.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment