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PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Computer Systems Engineer in El Segundo, CA. You will bridge hardware and software for space-focused payload emulators, integrating FPGA-based platforms and developing embedded solutions for real-time aerospace systems.
The role involves hands-on board bring-up, debugging, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission-critical performance and reliability.
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry to hire a talented Computer Systems Engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and space technology. If you're passionate about embedded systems, FPGA platforms, real‑time interfaces, and hands‑on engineering, this is your opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge space programs that are shaping the future of aerospace innovation.
Job Title: Computer Systems Engineer
Location: El Segundo, CA
Job Type: Full‑Time Consultant (12‑Month Contract)
Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM‑5:00 PM
Pay Rate: Starting at $69.46 per hour
As a Computer Systems Engineer, you will support the development and integration of advanced space payload emulators for next‑generation aerospace systems. Working in a collaborative laboratory environment, you’ll help bridge the gap between hardware and software by developing embedded solutions, integrating FPGA‑based platforms, and creating intuitive operator interfaces that enable mission success.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in the testing, validation, and deployment of technologies supporting tomorrow's space missions.
Develop, configure, and maintain embedded software and firmware on Xilinx SoC platforms, including Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal devices.
Implement and troubleshoot Processing System (PS) to Programmable Logic (PL) interfaces, AXI interconnects, and memory maps.
Develop and validate Board Support Packages (BSPs), embedded Linux/PetaLinux environments, device drivers, and low‑level communication interfaces.
Support hands‑on board bring‑up, system integration, and debugging activities.
Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other test equipment to diagnose and resolve system issues.
Design and develop intuitive graphical user interfaces using Java, JavaFX, React, Vue, Angular, Electron, or similar technologies.
Create control dashboards, telemetry displays, and command interfaces for payload emulation systems.
Integrate front‑end applications with embedded services, APIs, and hardware endpoints to enable real‑time monitoring and control.
Partner with FPGA engineers, hardware designers, systems engineers, and test teams to validate end‑to‑end system functionality.
Lead troubleshooting efforts and drive root‑cause analysis in a fast‑paced lab environment.
Support rapid prototyping, iterative development, and hardware/software co‑design initiatives.
Contribute technical expertise during key integration and validation milestones.
Utilize Xilinx development toolchains including Vivado, Vitis, PetaLinux, and SDK environments.
Participate in code reviews, documentation, and software quality initiatives.
Manage source code and development workflows using Git and GitLab.
Support continuous improvement through modern development and testing practices.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
5-9 years of professional experience in embedded hardware/software development and integration.
Hands‑on experience with Xilinx SoC/MPSoC platforms, including Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal architectures.
Strong proficiency with Xilinx development tools such as Vivado, Vitis, PetaLinux, and SDK.
Experience with:
Embedded Linux or RTOS environments
PS/PL integration
Device driver development
Board bring‑up and system‑level debugging
Experience developing user interfaces using Java or modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue, Angular, or Electron.
Demonstrated hands‑on troubleshooting skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and related laboratory equipment.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.
Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of experience, Master's degree with 7+ years of experience, or PhD with 4+ years of experience in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a related technical field.
Experience developing custom FPGA IP and utilizing High‑Level Synthesis (HLS) methodologies.
Knowledge of high‑speed communications protocols, including:
PCIe
10Gb Ethernet
Aurora
SpaceWire
MIL‑STD‑1553
Experience building command‑and‑control (C2) systems, real‑time visualization tools, or aerospace test environments.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and containerized workflows such as Docker.
Demonstrated leadership during large‑scale hardware and software integration efforts.
Experience supporting aerospace, aviation, space, or defense programs.
At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect top engineering talent with organizations driving the future of aviation and aerospace innovation. This opportunity places you at the forefront of next‑generation space technology, where your expertise will directly contribute to complex systems that advance exploration, communications, and national security missions.
Competitive pay starting at $69.46 per hour
Opportunity to work on groundbreaking aerospace and space systems
Exposure to advanced embedded technologies, FPGA development, and mission‑critical platforms
Collaborative environment alongside highly skilled engineers and technical leaders
Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge hardware, software, and integration technologies
Professional growth through challenging and impactful engineering projects
A culture that values innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and teamwork
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Pay Details: $69.46 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.