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.

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. 

As the Materials Evaluation, Testing, and Analysis Scientist (Associate Member of the Technical Staff – Materials Science), you will work as part of a team to evaluate various materials using non-destructive analysis techniques, perform mechanical tests, and utilize various characterization techniques to determine failure modes and material properties.  The ideal candidate will be able to support research efforts across a variety of material types and methodologies and participate within an interdisciplinary team in ongoing investigations.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour

Work Model 

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring  

• Strong written and oral communication skills  
• Must work well in a team environment  
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills  
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need  
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work alongside more senior staff to develop/apply innovative materials testing and evaluation techniques
• Test mechanical properties of composites, metals and ceramics, and apply techniques to characterize strength, stiffness and other related properties.
• Develop and apply non-destructive test methods to structural materials to analyze defect populations and identify critical flaw sizes.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed.  Monitor and maintain test facilities and equipment. 
• Apply engineering standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  
• Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software
• Solid understanding of software and programming fundamentals such as LabVIEW for data acquisition
• Ability to troubleshoot of test equipment anomalies
• Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 10%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a SSBI 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:  

• Experience with mechanical testing including the use of transducers (force, pressure, strain, displacement, etc.)
• Examples of previous application of NDE methodologies to structural materials
• Familiarity with electronic circuit design/analysis for data acquisition and troubleshooting of test equipment
• Experience with prototyping, robotics, mechanical control

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)

$70,000 - $90,000

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.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.