Computing Systems 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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
Within VSD, the Embedded Control Systems Department (ECSD) focuses on flight computers, flight software, cube sat development, and embedded system architecture while supporting a variety of independent R&D efforts in robotics, automation, and distributed systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software, and to assess its readiness for flight. In addition, we develop and test real-time embedded software for picosats, drones, and other emerging technologies. The Computing Systems Engineer position is a critical part of the team, providing tailored computing solutions to each project unique requirements. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
As the Computing Systems Engineer you will provide the specialized IT support and system administration of computer systems in support of the various hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations, embedded test beds, and software development platforms
Integration and maintenance of the uniquely configured computational systems with a variety of operating systems including Redhat/CentOS, Debian/Ubuntu, Solaris SPARC/x86, and ARM architectures
Provision, configure, and integrate computing systems to host simulations and interface with embedded systems including driver development, network configuration, and system debugging
Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, picosats, and other mission-critical components of space systems
Develop automation of testing and analysis tasks, leveraging AI and machine learning where possible
Support flight software verification through requirements analyses, design and code peer reviews, and unit test inspections and analyses
Encourages technical growth and mentors less experienced staff.
This position is available as an Engineering Specialist or Sr. Engineering Specialist
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Engineering Specialist
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent
Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or education experience is required
Broad background knowledge of IT topics including networking, encryption, storage devices/systems, operating system concepts
Ability to install open source software including configuring, compiling, installing, and updating
Understanding of package management for Linux and Windows operating systems for example dpkg/rpm and Conan
Experience specifying hardware/software configurations for the purchase of servers, workstations, and desktops to support specific project requirements
Experience installing and configuring operating systems like Redhat/CentOS, Debian/Ubuntu and Solaris SPARC/x86
Ability to write, test, implement shell scripts to do system management tasks such as nightly cronjobs
Ability to plan, schedule and analyze risks of large-scale tasks like OS upgrades, hardware upgrades, storage migration, etc
Ability to develop C, C++, and Python
Experience with profiling and benchmarking CPUs, IO, network, and software performance
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Sr. Engineering Specialist
Same requirements as an Engineering Specialist noted above, in addition to:
Typically, 12 years of applicable professional or education experience is required
Expert background knowledge of software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering, coding standards, software metrics and code verification
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Engineering Specialist or Sr. Engineering Specialist
Broad background knowledge of IT topics including processor instruction sets, OS schedulers, and emulators/simulators
Experience with configuring and maintaining Network File Systems (NFS) and Network Information Service (NIS), or Server Message Block (SMB) in a heterogenous network
Knowledge of configuring, managing, and debugging TCP/IP for private networks, servers, desktops, baseboard management, and network connected devices like PDUs, KVMs, etc.
The ability to install, configure, and manage commercial software and license managers such as FlexNet
Experience with configuring and using server baseboard management controllers like iDRACs, ALOMs, iLO, kickstart, netinstall, pxe, as well as knowledge of IPMI
Experience with hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations, embedded systems, and/or single board computers
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 diverse 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.