What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialized Embedded Engineer - Security Clearance Required position at The Aerospace Corporation?
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.
Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community , DoD, and civilian customers.
The Embedded and Specialized Computing Department (ESCD) is seeking a Specialized Embedded Engineer ( Engineering Specialist / Sr. Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering) to perform research and development activities towards innovative hardware and software prototypes in areas such as high performance and accelerated computing, AI / ML implementation at the edge, and spacecraft security. These prototypes and resulting lessons learned are crucial for advancing the capability of the next generation of satellites , thus ensuring the United States’ continued dominance in space . Members of this team 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 other civil customers ( e.g. NASA).
It is recognized that most applicants will not possess all the listed skills or have experience in all listed focus areas.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA , offering a hybrid work model that combines a minimum of three regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow .
What You’ll Be Doing
You will utilize your extensive embedded systems domain knowledge for p erform ing research, prototyping , and hands-on development to enable technology gains for th e country’s defense and intelligence communities.
Design embedded hardware and software solutions for the evaluation of novel space-based processors, emerging security technolog ies and vulnerabilities , and data exploitation via artificial intelligence
Rapidly d esign and test embedded compute prototypes utilizing FPGAs, SoCs, A pplication Specific acce le rator s, MCUs , and other emerging processors
Deliver embedded HW / SW solutions in the areas of AI at the edge, spacecraft security, and / or small satellites
Work in partnership with Aerospace Corporation s cientists to evaluate and test the radiation susceptibility of embedded processors and determine appropriate mitigations
Share your experience and expertise through intentional mentor ing and coaching of junior staff
Propose and execute on research projects based on emerging technologies to advance the department's product and knowledge lines
Proactively interact with internal and external customers by presenting project status, technical findings and technical demonstrations
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering
Bachelor s degree in STEM , emphasis in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
Eight (8) or more years of direct experience in the design of embedded systems , including both hardware and software
Deep understanding and hands on experience in several of the following technical disciplines : embedded systems, PCB development, FPGA design, software development, or embedded security .
Experience with several of the most prevalent hardware platforms and their corresponding tool suites including AMD / Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, ST Microelectronics, etc..
Understanding of and previous experience implementing typical embedded interfaces : I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.
Willing to travel domestically up to 10% if needed.
This position requires 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 Senior Engineering Specialist – Computer Engineering include :
Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Twelve (12) years of direct experience in the design of embedded systems , including both hardware and software
Demonstrated experience in leading small-to-mid-size teams
Comfortable presenting deep technical content to both peers and external customers
Experience proposing , and executing new projects
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these :
Experience implementing artificial intelligence / machine learning algorithms onto edge based compute platforms
Previous experience with key embedded security tenants such as Root of Trust, Secure Boot, encryption and key management, and common attack vectors
Previous experience designing electronics for space applications
Software / hardware development experience and leadership using agile methodologies and tools like git, Jira, and Confluence
Active Top-Secret Clearance
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 :
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 , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .
