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 t... more details
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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
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 is seeking a well-qualified, Senior Research Scientist with a strong foundation in polymers and composites, focusing on composites design, layup, assembly, inspection, characterization and mechanical testing. You will provide project engineering leadership in polymers characterization and composite design, layup, assembly, inspection, and mechanical testing. The Space Materials Laboratory conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials science, additive manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. The section’s research and customer program support activities are well-established and supported by highly trained and accomplished staff.?
This is an on-site position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
Work in Polymers/Composites section of the Materials Science Department
Acts as senior technical authority and lead studies in structure-property-performance of polymers and composites and leads laboratory tasks and develop insights that impacts active launch and space vehicle programs
Lead with impact in the area of composites manufacturing, modification of recipes based on characterization of microstructures and mechanical properties to establish space industry best practices
Operates strategically to lead sign resolution and test issues/anomalies/challenges
Interface with Aerospace program office and industry to develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space vehicle hardware
Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to experimental design, data evaluation, and fabrication
Facilitate and actively engage with Metals Section and Nondestructive Evaluation Section colleagues on joint projects
Understand customer problems and issues and turn them into tasks that can be supported by Aerospace capabilities at large, including cross ETG and external company teaming. Delivers results and lead communications with personnel within PSL and between organizations within Engineering Technology Group
Fosters innovation by serving as principal investigator of research activities, including grant proposal writing; prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues, and the broader scientific community
The candidate must also be able to lead change, serve as a role model, and mentor early career staff and be a true force multiplier
What You Need to be Successful - Senior Research Scientist - Materials Science
PhD degree in Chemistry and/or Material Science and Engineering is required
12 years of applicable engineering experience is required
Superior project management and team leadership skills and experience
Served as principal investigator of research and development on polymers and composites for launch or space vehicle applications
Background in chemistry, materials science, polymer characterization, composite fabrication (autoclave, out-of-autoclave)
Ability to apply broad thinking and to quickly understand and absorb a wide array of materials characterization techniques and mechanical testing procedures
Authored grant proposals and served as principal investigator on externally funded research grants and commercial contracts
Experienced managing technical projects and cross-organizational teams
Exceptional interpersonal communication and briefing skills along with the ability to work independently
Serves as effective liaison between government, Aerospace, and contractor personnel
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approximately 20%
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.
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
15+ years of applicable engineering experience is strongly preferred
Supervised polymer synthesis for high temperature composites
Experience with polymer characterization and composite trade studies, technology insertion, requirements definition to support launch vehicle programs
Possess extensive knowledge of the breadth and depth of the Engineering and Technology Group’s technical capabilities
A current and active Secret security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly 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)
$151,300 - $226,900
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 diverse 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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.