Communication Systems Firmware and FPGA Sr. Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the premier partner for the nation’s space programs, renowned for solving the most challenging problems and delivering unrivaled technical expertise. As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we lead innovations across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems, serving defense, civil, and commercial customers. By joining our team, you’ll collaborate with a remarkable collective of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Embark on a journey with us and elevate your career in space.

At The Aerospace Corporation, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every employee can share in our collective passion and mission – a mission far greater than ourselves. The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) is at the forefront of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) for space missions and their enabling technologies. Our projects encompass a wide range of tasks from architecture design to prototype development and implementation, blending theoretical and practical hands-on work.

Position: Communication Systems Firmware and FPGA Sr. Engineer

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department in Chantilly, VA, engages in modeling & simulation, prototyping, and testbed development work. This includes cubesat payload development, signal collection prototypes, antenna modeling, and measurements in our anechoic chamber, software-defined radio (SDR) communications, signal collection systems, and RF system prototyping to meet customer requirements.

Work Model

This position is 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

Responsibilities

• Join the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department as an experienced engineer both independently and within project teams.
• Tackle technical challenges in communications, signal collection, and data processing.
• Develop experiments and prototypes in our laboratories using SDR hardware, FPGA development systems, and RF signal test and measurement equipment.
• Support customer programs through research, analysis, development, and assessments of signal processing algorithm implementations on operational hardware.
• Provide expertise in FPGA and firmware implementation of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms.
• Support DOD and Intelligence customers, primarily the National Reconnaissance Office.
• Utilize technical insights to ensure successful ongoing development programs and influence future space missions.

Minimum Requirements

For Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited program.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience in progressively responsible roles.
• Experience in a laboratory environment with FPGAs or SDRs, and associated test equipment.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing DSP algorithms on CPU, GPU, or FPGA platforms.
• Ability to work with customers and as part of project teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance from the U.S. government, requiring U.S. citizenship.

For Senior Engineering Specialist:

• Minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in progressively responsible roles.
• Proven expertise in architecting and implementing DSP solutions with real-world performance requirements.
• Experience in leading development projects and mentoring junior staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited university.
• Proficiency with FPGA tools such as Vivado/Vitis, Quartus, ModelSim, Questasim, and Synplify.
• Experience with machine learning implementations on FPGA or GPU hardware.
• Familiarity with SDR tools like GNURadio.
• Extensive experience with antenna systems, RF systems, SIGINT processing, communications systems, and hardware prototyping.
• Strong scientific programming skills in languages such as Matlab, C, C++, Python, and Fortran.
• Expertise in hardware descriptor languages (HDL) like VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and High-Level Synthesis (HLS).

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy encourages every employee to demonstrate leadership, regardless of their role. At Aerospace, our commitment is to our people, cultivating talent to ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders who: