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 proto@type 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.
Pay Details: $60.00 to $80.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the @type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
