Build the Technology Behind Tomorrow's Space Missions

Systems Engineer

Location: El Segundo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-Month Assignment)
Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Pay Rate: $60 to $80 per hour

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading force in the aviation and aerospace industry to hire a talented Systems Engineer who is passionate about embedded systems, hardware/software integration, and cutting-edge space technologies.

If you thrive in a hands-on engineering environment where innovation happens at the lab bench, this is your opportunity to contribute to next-generation space payload emulation systems supporting advanced aerospace and defense programs. Your work will play a critical role in developing and integrating the technologies used to test, validate, and advance the space systems of the future.

Your Impact

As a Systems Engineer, you'll work at the intersection of embedded software, FPGA platforms, and user interface development. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring complex payload emulation systems to life, enabling critical testing, validation, and mission readiness activities for groundbreaking space programs.

This role offers a unique blend of hardware integration, software development, troubleshooting, and system-level engineering in a highly collaborative environment.

What You'll Do

Embedded Software & FPGA Integration

• Develop, configure, and maintain embedded software and firmware for Xilinx SoC platforms, including Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal architectures.

• Implement and troubleshoot Processing System (PS) to Programmable Logic (PL) interfaces, AXI interconnects, and memory mapping solutions.

• Develop and validate Board Support Packages (BSPs), embedded Linux distributions, device drivers, and low-level communication interfaces.

• Support hardware bring-up, software integration, and system-level debugging activities.

Front-End GUI & Operator Interface Development

• Design and develop intuitive graphical user interfaces using Java, JavaFX, Swing, or modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue, Angular, or Electron.

• Create real-time monitoring dashboards, command interfaces, and telemetry displays.

• Integrate front-end applications with embedded systems and hardware control services.

Hardware and Software Integration

• Partner with hardware, FPGA, firmware, software, and test engineering teams to validate end-to-end system functionality.

• Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis in lab environments.

• Support prototype development, testing activities, and system integration milestones.

System Debugging & Validation

• Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and other test equipment to identify and resolve system issues.

• Conduct verification and validation activities to ensure system performance and reliability.

Software Quality & Development Best Practices

• Utilize Xilinx development environments including Vivado, Vitis, PetaLinux, and SDK.

• Participate in code reviews and technical documentation efforts.

• Manage source code and development workflows using Git and GitLab.

• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes and software quality standards.

Required Qualifications

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 and software development and integration.

• Experience developing solutions for Xilinx SoC/MPSoC platforms, including Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal architectures.

• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux, RTOS environments, board bring-up, and device driver development.

• Experience integrating PS/PL architectures and embedded hardware systems.

• Practical experience developing GUIs using:

  • Java (JavaFX, Swing)

  • JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, or Electron

• Strong lab-based troubleshooting and debugging experience using industry-standard test equipment.

• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.

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

• Knowledge of high-speed communication protocols and interfaces such as:

  • 10GbE

  • PCIe

  • Aurora

  • SpaceWire

  • MIL-STD-1553

• Experience building command-and-control visualization systems or real-time data streaming applications.

• Familiarity with:

  • CI/CD pipelines

  • Automated testing frameworks

  • Docker and containerized development environments

• Demonstrated leadership during complex hardware/software integration efforts.

• Prior aerospace, aviation, defense, or space systems experience.

What Makes You Successful

• Passion for solving complex technical challenges.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Hands-on engineering mindset with a willingness to work directly with hardware.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

• Ability to balance system-level thinking with detailed technical execution.

• Commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous learning.

Why Join Us?

Work on Next-Generation Space Technology

Be part of programs developing advanced space payload systems that support critical aerospace and defense missions.

Hands-On Innovation

Work directly with cutting-edge embedded platforms, FPGA technologies, and sophisticated test systems in a collaborative lab environment.

Career Advancement

Gain valuable experience supporting highly visible engineering programs while working alongside industry-leading experts and multidisciplinary teams.

Competitive Compensation

Earn $56.65 per hour in a challenging and rewarding technical role that values your expertise and contributions.

Collaborative Culture

At PDS Tech Commercial, we believe innovation thrives through teamwork, technical excellence, and continuous professional growth. You'll be empowered to contribute ideas, solve meaningful challenges, and expand your engineering capabilities.

Meaningful Impact

Your work will help enable the development, testing, and validation of technologies that support the future of aerospace and space exploration.

Ready to Launch Your Next Career Move?

If you're an experienced engineer with a passion for embedded systems, hardware/software integration, and advanced space technologies, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in helping shape the future of aerospace innovation, one breakthrough system at a time.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
 

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