Digital Design Engineer – Senior Engineering 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 Eprototyping, 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

Program Support: Serve as the technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader on multiple programs, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external customers.

Technical Guidance: Provide invaluable oversight, guidance, and expert advice on customer projects, including assessing space flight worthiness of electronics and electronic systems and performing specialized analytical and experimental studies pertaining to the design and development of digital and mixed-signal circuits, electronics, and systems.  

Digital, Mixed Signal, and Microelectronics Expertise: Leverage your profound expertise in the field of digital electronic systems for space applications to drive innovation and mission assurance while mentoring less experienced technical staff and serving as a role model in the organization.

Quality Assurance: Thoroughly evaluate and independently verify contractor designs, methodologies, and overall system performance to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability.

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited university, with 12+ years of experience in engineering/scientific roles related to space digital and microelectronic hardware for satellites and space systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in the full lifecycle of space digital and mixed-signal systems—concept, requirements, design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, and on-orbit operation—at all system levels.
• Deep and hands-on knowledge of space qualification for electrical components, radiation effects, board/component-level radiation testing, and worst-case circuit analysis (WCCA), including use of analysis tools (HyperLynx, PSPICE).
• Strong troubleshooting skills and proficient in lab equipment and measurements for hardware anomalies and failures, with experience in root-cause analysis and resolution in digital and mixed-signal circuits and subsystems.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and documentation skills; ability to work on-site at least 3 days per week, travel up to 25%, and obtain/maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

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 from an accredited university.
• Proven ability to identify risks and lead risk reduction initiatives in digital and mixed-signal electronics systems.
• Extensive experience in FPGA/ASIC design using hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, or System Verilog.
• Strong knowledge of mixed-signal analog design, including active filters, precision current drives, data converter support circuitry, and related simulation techniques.
• Skilled in signal integrity simulation, analysis, and testing, with a solid background in transmission line theory, electromagnetics, PCB, and package layout techniques.
• In-depth understanding of high-speed digital communications, space payload electronics and subsystems, C&DH systems, and digital signal processing; holds a current Secret or Top-Secret clearance with recent SSBI or reinvestigation.

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)

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.