FPGA/ASIC Design Engineer (Eng Specialist / Sr Eng Specialist)

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Digital and Integrated Circuit Electronics Department (DICED) resides within MPD and supports the design, modeling, simulation, verification, analysis, and test for microelectronics and digital electronic boards, FPGA/ASIC, boxes, subsystems, and systems for civil, commercial, and national space systems. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, rapid prototyping, and extensive modeling and simulation capabilities, enables DICED to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, implement, test, and verify advanced FPGA/ASIC systems for digital electronics applications.
• Develop and test software, firmware, and support test equipment (STE) for FPGA/ASIC projects.
• Utilize cutting-edge digital design tools, technologies, and best practices to optimize performance.
• Lead technical teams in the design, development, and verification of microelectronics for space systems.
• Foster collaboration across teams and organizations to ensure project success and resource alignment.
• Apply expertise in FPGA/ASIC front-end and back-end design to address technical challenges and ensure program milestones are met.
• Conduct risk assessments, resolve anomalies, and deliver insights for space-grade electronic systems.
• Prepare technical reports, brief customers and management, and provide regular project updates.
• Mentor staff and interns on FPGA/ASIC design processes and best practices.

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least eight years of experience in FPGA/ASIC design using HDL (VHDL and/or Verilog) and associated software tools, with proven success in testing and verification.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment using FPGAs, evaluation boards, and test equipment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a track record of delivering technical reports and project updates.
• A collaborative team player with outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 15% of the time.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

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

• Minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in the design of FPGAs and ASICs using Hardware Description Language (HDL) and associated software design tools, as well as successful test and verification of final designs.
• Lead teams in the design, development, test, and verification of FPGA/ASIC, digital, and microelectronic hardware
• Manage multiple, concurrent designs and analysis projects

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in digital and microelectronic hardware design, development, testing, and verification.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and MATLAB within Unix/Linux environments.
• Familiarity with SystemVerilog and FPGA/ASIC design standards for space applications.
• Expertise in optical sensor systems, including focal plane array operation and testing.
• Extensive experience mentoring junior staff in FPGA/ASIC design best practices.
• Deep knowledge of high-speed digital design principles, including signal integrity.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance design and workflow efficiency.
• Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI access.

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)
$129,000.00 - $249,600.00

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 .