Section Manager - Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering: Device Reliability, Testing, and Analysis
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 Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) within PSL is at the forefront of both basic and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications, while also delivering critical technical support to national security space programs. We are seeking a dynamic Section Manager (Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering) to spearhead our new section, dedicated to advancing the reliability, analysis, fabrication, and physics of failure of cutting-edge technologies—including advanced CMOS, SiGe, SOI, III-V semiconductors, optoelectronics, and nanoelectronics.
In this strategic leadership role, you will guide and mentor a team of talented professionals, coordinate closely with the department director and other counterpart organizations, and contribute hands-on research in these critical areas. This is an exceptional opportunity to be at the helm of transformative projects in a well-established department renowned for its expertise and innovation in supporting space and national security missions.
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
Uses cutting edge scientific knowledge to solve critical national security problems with high impact
~65% individual contributor work, including the following:
Interfaces with program offices to understand and perform work for customer needs
Conducts and leads laboratory experiments, research projects, and analysis
Prepares written and oral reports of research activities, issues, and accomplishments, and presents to higher management, subordinates, collaborators, customers and the broader scientific community in the form of project briefings, journal publications, deliverable reports, and conference presentations
Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities
~35% management work, including the following:
Supervises 2-10 technical staff, including supporting career development, transfers, and terminations. Conducts performance reviews and promotional actions, and determines hiring needs. Ensures corporate practices and security policies are followed
Works with the department director and business manager to develop and implement organizational R&D and program support strategies, provide input for budgetary planning, communicate and implement corporate policies to staff, and perform administration of section business. Advises director of resource needs and capabilities
Provides strategic and administrative guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities
Establishes interfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments of staff to projects, monitoring and evaluation of project progress. Identifies opportunities for expanded and new business
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution is required, ensuring a strong theoretical and practical foundation for success in this role
A minimum of (6) years of professional work experience in a related topic area is essential, demonstrating a robust track record of industry knowledge, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to drive impactful results
In-depth knowledge of advanced microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, materials, and materials analysis.
Demonstrated experience in device design and fabrication, test and characterization, reliability studies, failure analysis (including destructive physical analysis), radiation effects assessment, and the use of simulation and modeling tools.
Proven ability to connect with and work effectively alongside a diverse range of customers, programs, and ETG organizations.
Strong aptitude for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships across all levels of customer organizations and internal corporate teams.
Highly motivated and goal-oriented, with exceptional interpersonal skills that drive success in inter-organizational and interdisciplinary teamwork
Willing to travel occasionally (approx. every-other month) for program support (as needed)
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:
PhD degree is strongly preferred, underscoring a deep theoretical and research-oriented foundation for advanced problem-solving
A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience, demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership and innovation is preferred
Experience in technical projects or program leadership is highly desirable, indicating the ability to successfully manage complex initiatives and drive cross-functional collaboration
Candidates should have a robust background in one or more of the following areas:
Microelectronic radiation effects and reliability
CMOS and semiconductor device operation, including physics of failure (e.g., TDDB, electromigration, hot carrier injection, BTI)
Microelectronic device cleanroom processing, fabrication, and device modeling
Laser and detector diode technology
Physical analysis techniques such as X-ray computed tomography or FIB/SEM (destructive physical analysis)
Hardware assurance methodologies, including counterfeit detection
Applications of these technologies in relevant fields
Experience supporting satellite programs, particularly on issues related to current or emerging space technologies, is strongly desired
A current and active TS/SCI is 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)
$147,600.00 – $221,400.00
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.
