Senior Hardware Security 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. Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real‑time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high‑performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. The Embedded & Specialized Computing Department focuses on critical space systems R&D and rapid prototyping in the areas of Rapid Prototyping (HW & SW), Resilient/Novel/Accelerated Compute Solutions, and Hardware Security. The group supports a variety of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil partners (e.g., NASA) to resolve unique challenges in implementation and research. The qualified candidate will become part of the Hardware Security and Specialty Engineering section of the Embedded & Specialized Computing Department. Work Model This position is 100% onsite at El Segundo, Ca. What You’ll Be Doing Provide hardware security support to government and contracted personnel in the areas of security controls, configuration management, configurable logic device management, and microelectronic security assessments. Review security architecture of space mission ground systems and provide recommendations on security improvements to the system’s baseline. Directly contribute to hardware security research, development, and applications while helping to secure National Security Space Systems. Define threat paths and develop guidance on FPGA/ASIC/embedded systems vulnerability mitigations. Support the development and improvement of microelectronics assurance policy, requirements and documentation. Demonstrate the ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and debug both hardware and firmware issues effectively. Assist with developing and distributing project tasking to junior engineers. Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop new technical demonstrations and capabilities. What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop clear technical documentation and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams Possess organizational, time management and project management skills Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Embedded Software Engineering Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or STEM related program. 6 to 8 years of relevant experience in a position related to FPGA design and verification, embedded systems, hardware security or similar fields. Knowledge of DoD information security policies, including DoD 5200 directives Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively. Proven experience in FPGA design, including familiarity with HDLs (VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog) and major vendor tools (AMD Xilinx, Microchip, and Intel Altera). Experience with embedded system design (e.g., Xilinx Zynq/Microblaze, ARM, Altera NIOS). Proficiency in coding and scripting with languages such as C, C++, Python, Perl, or Shell Experience using project management tools such as Jira or MS Project. Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site up to 20% of the time if required. 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. Minimum Requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist – Embedded Software Engineering 10 or more years of relevant experience in a position related to hardware security, FPGA design and verification, embedded systems, or similar fields. Experience relating to multiple hardware security fields such as embedded systems security, hardware cryptographic accelerators, vulnerability analysis, or anti‑tamper. How You Can Stand Out Advanced degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or STEM related program. Exposure to and understanding of hardware security attacks in the following areas: Hardware Trojans, Side Channel Analysis, Fault Injection, and Reverse Engineering Possession of relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP Experience related to artificial intelligence or quantum computing applications Current and active TS/SCI clearance 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) $129,000.00 - $193,500.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees 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 equalopportunity 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. 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