High-Speed Digital Design 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. The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. What You’ll Be Doing Design and develop high-speed digital interfaces for xLab prototype systems supporting Department of Defense and civil space customers. Perform board-level design, schematic capture, and layout coordination for Ethernet, SGMII, 1000BASE‑X, and similar high-speed serial interfaces. Conduct signal integrity analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure robust performance in challenging operational environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including RF engineers, software developers, and system architects to integrate communication subsystems. Support hardware bring‑up, validation testing, and system integration activities for flight and ground demonstration systems. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers on high-speed design best practices. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed. Leadership Competency Model This position emphasizes the Innovation, Velocity, and Accountability Leadership Competency Model (LCM) attributes through rapid prototyping, technical excellence, and delivery of mission‑critical systems. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of Technical Staff: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM discipline. 4 or more years of professional experience in high-speed digital interface design. Hands‑on design and implementation experience with Ethernet protocols (10/100/1000Mbps), SGMII, 1000BASE‑X, or similar high-speed serial interfaces. Working knowledge of Ethernet PHY layer specifications and IEEE802.3 standards. Demonstrated experience with PCB design and layout requirements for high-speed signals including impedance control, differential pairs, and layer stack‑up considerations. Proficiency with signal integrity testing equipment and techniques (oscilloscopes, TDR, VNA, eye diagrams, jitter analysis, BERT, spectrum analyzers). Strong troubleshooting and lab debugging skills for high-speed digital systems. Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium, Cadence OrCAD, Mentor Graphics). Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist: 6 or more years of professional experience in high-speed digital interface design and implementation. Proven track record of leading complex hardware development projects from concept through production or prototype delivery. How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Experience with advanced protocols such as 10GBASE‑KR, PCIe, USB3.x, or other multi‑gigabit serial standards. Proficiency with signal integrity simulation tools (e.g., HyperLynx, HFSS, CST, ADS). Experience with FPGA‑based interface implementations and embedded system integration. Knowledge of space‑grade component selection, radiation effects, and design for harsh environments. Experience designing high-speed circuits for optical communications, including modulator drivers, TIAs, or SerDes front‑ends. Compensation 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 $110,400.00 - $193,500.00 per annum. 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. 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 needs reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Location and Security Location: ElSegundo, CA. Full‑time position requiring at least 4 days onsite. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Aerospace Corporation