Materials Physicist – Non-Destructive Evaluation
Hiring Locations:
California
2310 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245
200 S. Los Robles Ave. Suite 150, Pasadena, CA 91101
Vandenberg Space Force Base
806 13th St. Bldg. 7015, Vandenberg SFB, CA 93437
Utah
Hill Air Force Base
6002 Wardleigh Rd Bldg. 1578, Ste. 200, Hill AFB, UT 84056
Colorado
7250 Getting Heights Colorado Springs, CO 80916
18300 E. Crested Butte Avenue (STOP 49), Buckley SFB, CO 80011
Peterson SPACE Force Base
150 Vandenberg St., Suite 1105, Peterson SFB, CO 80914
New Mexico
2155 Louisiana Blvd. #5000, Albuquerque, NM 87110
2301 Buena Vista Dr. SE, Ste 1100, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Kirtland Air Force Base
3548 Aberdeen Ave SE Bldg 413/Rm 118, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
Texas
2525 Bay Area Boulevard, Ste. 600 Houston, TX 77058
2101 NASA Road One Johnson Space Center M/C NQ112 Houston, TX 77058
Nebraska
Offutt Air Force Base
101 Nelson Dr. Offutt AFB, NE 68113
Alabama
5030 Bradford Drive, Building 1 Suite 220, Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Ohio
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
4180 Watson Way Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Florida
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
15385 Samuel C Phillips Parkway Building 44410, Room 1060, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Maryland
7850 Walker Drive, Suite 300 Patriot Business Park, Greenbelt, MD 20770
1335 East-West Highway SSMC1 6200 Silver Spring, MD 20910
4231 Suitland Road #1225 Suitland, Maryland 20746
Virginia
14745 Lee Road, Chantilly, VA 20151
4851 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA
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.
Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Materials Science Department within the Space Materials Laboratory is seeking a well-qualified individual for the role of Materials Physicist – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)- Senior Member of Technical Staff. In this role, you will develop advanced non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques for mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components. You will ensure mission assurance through comprehensive data analysis and technical reviews, while conducting forward-looking research to address emerging materials characterization challenges for next-generation aerospace systems. This role involves direct collaboration with leading space agencies to advance the state-of-the-art in NDI science and materials physics.
Highlights of our lab’s capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, including methods based on radiography, ultrasonics, eddy current, thermography, and other inspection modalities
Conduct applied research in materials characterization and NDI science to solve emerging inspection challenges and enable next-generation aerospace systems
Ensure mission assurance through expert review of inspection data, manufacturing documentation, and technical assessments for USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs
Perform hands-on inspection of flight hardware and conduct field evaluations at manufacturing and launch sites
Lead and support laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure structural integrity and mission success
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff include:
Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry or related fields is required
A minimum of (5) years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience (graduate school research experience may count toward this requirement), demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges is required.
Strong foundation in aerospace materials science, structural mechanics, and the physical principles underlying non-destructive inspection techniques
Demonstrated proficiency in performing and interpreting results from one or more NDI techniques, including but not limited to: radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), infrared thermography (IRT), and/or visual inspection methods
Creative thinking and innovative approaches to problem solving
Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
Willingness to travel occasionally and work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% (as 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
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Experience developing and qualifying non-destructive inspection (NDI) methodologies for composite, metallic, or advanced material systems, including technique validation, procedure documentation, and performance verification
Measurement and signal processing skills using various programming languages, i.e., Python, C++, Labview, etc.
Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas
Demonstrated use of machine learning based approaches to scientific data analysis
Experience with the Intelligence Community
A current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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)
$100,300.00 – $150,400.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
Operate Strategically
Lead Change
Engage with Impact
Foster Innovation
Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading 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
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.
