Digital Design Engineer - Engineering Specialist

About this role

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 laboratories, rapid prototyping, extensive modeling and simulation capabilities, and AI-assisted tools, enable DICED to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers

This position will support the Avionic Systems Division’s Command and Data Handling Branch of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate. It will function as an FPGA design engineer providing design support to various human exploration programs.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX

What You’ll Be Doing • Utilize cutting-edge digital design tools, technologies, and best practices to design, implement, test, and verify advanced FPGA/ASIC, boards, units, and systems for digital electronics applications.

• Perform independent verification and validation of contractor designs (boards, units, and FPGA/ASIC) to ensure requirement conformances.

• Develop and test software/scripts, firmware, and support test equipment (STE) for hardware testing.

• Provide on-site presence and support at contractor facilities for technical meetings, reviews, hardware testing, and troubleshooting.

• Lead technical teams or work independently, fostering collaboration across both internal and external organizations to ensure resource alignment and project success.

• Conduct risk assessments and resolve anomalies for FPGA/ASIC, electronic hardware, and systems.

• Prepare and brief technical reports and project updates to customers, management, and other stakeholders.

• Mentor staff and interns on design processes and best practices.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineer Specialist Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited university, with 8+ years of experience in engineering/scientific roles related to digital and microelectronic hardware.

• Experience in FPGA/ASIC design using hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, and/or System Verilog and CAD tools.

• Experience with the design, implement, test, and verification of advanced FPGA/ASIC, boards, units, and systems for digital electronics applications

• Experience in high-speed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designs from schematic capture, parts placement, signal routing, stack-up, and board layout.

• Hands-on 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.

• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams across design, manufacturing, test, and integration.

• Serve as the technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader on multiple programs, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and documentation skills; ability to work on-site at least 4 days per week, travel up to 25% of the time.

How You Can Stand Out   It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: • 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).

• Experience with space hardware and/or FPGA designs.

• 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.

• Demonstrated expertise in the full lifecycle of digital and mixed-signal systems—concept, requirements, design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test at all system levels.

• 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;

• Ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

• Experience with space syste

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