Computer Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Computer Systems Engineer with 5–9 years of professional experience to support the development and integration of space payload emulators in El Segundo, CA. In support of our client's Defense Systems next-generation space programs, this role focuses on hands-on hardware/software development for embedded systems (Xilinx SoC/FPGA) and front-end UI/UX control interfaces.

This position is tailored for an engineer who thrives in a hands-on lab environment, working side-by-side with multidisciplinary teams (hardware, firmware, software, and test engineers) to bring up hardware, integrate software/logic, and build intuitive emulator interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

Embedded Software & FPGA Platform Integration:

• Develop, configure, and maintain embedded software and firmware on Xilinx SoC platforms (Zynq UltraScale+, Versal).

• Implement and debug Processing System to Programmable Logic (PS/PL) interfaces, AXI interconnects, and memory maps.

• Develop and validate Board Support Packages (BSP), PetaLinux/embedded Linux distributions, device drivers, and low-level communication interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART).

• Lead hands-on board bring-up, hardware/software integration, and system-level debugging in a lab environment using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.

Front-End GUI & Operator Interface Development:

• Design and implement responsive, reliable front-end graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using Java or modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Vue, Angular, or JavaFX/Electron).

• Build control dashboards, telemetry displays, and command interfaces for payload emulation testbeds and operational teams.

• Integrate UI applications with embedded back-end services, APIs, and hardware endpoints for real-time monitoring and control.

Multidisciplinary Lab Collaboration & Integration:

• Partner closely with FPGA logic designers, hardware engineers, and systems testers in a collaborative lab environment to diagnose issues and validate end-to-end emulator functionality.
• Drive rapid prototyping, root-cause troubleshooting, and iterative testing on lab benches and test fixtures.
• Provide technical leadership during hardware/software co-design and integration milestones.

Software Quality & Workflow Optimization:

• Utilize Xilinx toolchains (Vivado, Vitis, PetaLinux, SDK) for software build pipelines, profiling, and debugging.
• Follow modern software engineering practices, including code reviews, documentation, and version control using Git/GitLab.

Skills and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience: 5–9 years of professional experience in embedded hardware/software development and integration.

• Embedded Xilinx Platforms: Hands-on experience developing for Xilinx SoC/MPSoC architectures (Zynq UltraScale+, Versal).

• Xilinx Toolchains: Demonstrated proficiency with Xilinx design and development tools (Vivado, Vitis, PetaLinux, SDK).

• PS/PL & Driver Integration: Proven experience with PS/PL integration, embedded Linux / RTOS, board bring-up, and device driver development.

• Front-End Development: Practical development experience creating user interfaces and GUIs using Java (e.g., JavaFX/Swing) or JavaScript (e.g., React, Node, Vue, Electron) frameworks.

• Lab & Debugging: Strong hands-on lab troubleshooting and debugging skills using lab test equipment (logic analyzers, DMMs, oscilloscopes, JTAG debuggers).

• Team Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate proactively in multidisciplinary, lab-centric engineering teams.

• Experience developing custom FPGA IP, working with High-Level Synthesis (HLS), or interfacing with custom hardware peripherals.

• Experience with high-speed serial protocols and network communications (10GbE, PCIe, Aurora, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553).

• Experience building real-time data streaming and command-and-control (C2) visualization tools for space or aerospace test systems.

• Familiarity with CI/CD build pipelines, automated testing, and containerized workflows (Docker) for embedded targets.

• Demonstrated technical leadership during complex hardware/software integration campaigns.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].