FPGA Firmware Design 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.

xLab is responsible for building and operating advanced prototypes at Aerospace by developing concepts to hard problems and then taking those concepts through the full development cycle to deliver cutting edge capabilities to our customers.

The Sensors and Systems Division within xLab is looking for an experienced Field-Programmable Gate Array ( FPGA) Firmware Design Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Embedded Software Engineering ) that can lead teams to develop next generation technology prototypes .

What You'll Be Doing

• Architecting, coding, simulating, and verifying complex digital logic for FPGAs in VHDL
• Connecting FPGAs with other components and ensuring system-level performance
• Working with board designers to ensure proper schematic design, layout, routing for the circuit board
• Using lab equipment for board bring-up, characterization, and resolving timing/signal integrity issues as well as testing and debugging
• Creating detailed technical specs, design reviews, and collaborating with other technical and program office teams

This role is a full-time onsite role in El Segundo, CA.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff - Embedded Software Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree or higher STEM field
• 4+ years of experience in prototype or technology development in embedded systems and FPGA development
• Experience with VHDL programming language, VHDL code simulation/validation, FPGA synthesis and implementation (timing, power, area, constraints)
• Experience in FPGA design tools such as: Xilinx Vivado, Microsemi Libero or equivalent
• Current Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required
• Willing to travel domestically as needed

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for

Engineering Specialist - Embedded Software Engineering include:

• 6+ years of total experience in prototype or technology development in embedded systems and FPGA development

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with high-speed digital design (
• Familiarity with System on Chip (SoC) design, test and integration
• Experience instantiating Microchip and/or Xilinx Zynq soft-core IP processors
• Familiarity with standard electrical interfaces: RS232/RS422 (UART), SPI, i2C, USB, ethernet, SpaceWire, eSATA, and/or PCIe
• Hardware debugging skills & experience with power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes and/or logic analyzers
• Current TS/SCI security 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)
$100,300 - $175,900

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

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 need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .