Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 110,400 - 193,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care plans

401(k) Plan with matching contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo is seeking a Small Satellite Embedded Software Engineer to develop embedded systems for small satellite missions. Ideal candidates will have experience in embedded systems development, microcontroller programming, and hardware debugging.

This position offers the opportunity to innovate in a fast-paced environment, providing mentorship and supporting impactful space solutions.

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including health plans, 401(k) matching, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of related experience in embedded systems.
• Skills in real-time design and verification workflows.
• Ability to maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and debug embedded microcontroller applications.
• Develop software libraries for satellite testing.
• Coordinate with subsystem leads for requirements.

Skills

Embedded systems development

Programming microcontrollers

Hardware debugging

Linux kernel knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's or Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

Microchip PIC

Arm Cortex

Xilinx Vivado

Job description

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.

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff:

• 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.

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

• Six or more years of total relevant experience
• Deep 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

How You Can Stand Out

• 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)

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 - $193,500.00Pay 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

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or needs reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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.