Materials Physics and Evaluation Scientist

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

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.

The Materials Science Department within the Space Materials Laboratory is seeing a well-qualified individual for the role of Materials Physics and Evaluation Scientist. As the Research Scientist – Materials Science or a Senior Scientist – Materials Science, you will lead and participate in research in the areas of materials physics, non-destructive evaluation, and measurement science with direct application to materials and structures for launch vehicles and spacecrafts. You will also support various space agencies in evaluating critical components using various nondestructive evaluation techniques.

Work Model

This is an on-site position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing

Conduct research in the areas of materials physics, non-destructive evaluation, and measurement science with direct application to the space domain
Develop innovative methods to evaluate integrity of space materials and structures with respect to various properties including, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, etc.
Support laboratory and field testing for failure investigations
Support hardware/document reviews to assess risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances
Write proposals for both internal and external funding sources
Contribute directly to mission assurance of launch vehicles and spacecraft programs under the USSF and NRO or other space programs
What You Need to be Successful –

Minimum requirements for the Research Scientist – Materials Science

A Ph.D. degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or related fields
8 or more years of professional industry experience
Strong knowledge of physics and engineering in materials and associated lab experience
Demonstrated hands-on problem-solving skills using a variety of material characterization tools, such as Radiography, Ultrasonic Testing, Eddy Current Testing, Thermography, etc.
Signal processing skills using various programming languages, such as Python, C++, Labview, etc.
Available to travel on short notice (approximately 20% or as required)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Scientist – Materials Science include

12 or more years of professional industry experience
Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Excellent project management and team leadership skills and experience
How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

ASNT certifications in one or more NDT methods
Experience with the Intelligence Community
A current and active Secret or 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)

$117,300.00 – $226,900.00
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.