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.
As the Composites Research Scientist (Research Scientist, Materials Science Department), you will lead R&D, develop and execute new strategies for integrated research and collaboration across academia, civil, DoD/IC, and industry. S/he should be able to leverage new corporate investments in Polymers/Composites. You will work across multiple internal and external organizations to solve issues and break new ground in research within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL).
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Lead and work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in depth structural materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on composite materials and bonding issues
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Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for composite materials, including lay-up, curing and consolidation techniques
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Assess technology gaps and provide direction for process development
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Support pedigree reviews in order to assesses risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances
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Write proposals, for both internal and external funding sources
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Direct research on the development of novel composite material applications as well as science based investigations pushing forward materials and processing technologies for space applications
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Manufacture demonstration articles, and generate intellectual property
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Present and publish technical findings as a subject matter expert for impacted hardware to govt., contractor and customer teams along with proposed processing recommendations and resolution pathways for remediation
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Assist the Director in developing MSD future strategy
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Mentor of junior staff on both technical and programmatic issues
What You Need to be Successful – Composites Research Scientist (Research Scientist, Materials Science Department)
Minimum Requirements:
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PhD degree in a STEM field is required
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(8) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience is required
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Technical experience in composites and well versed in the processing of structures, as well as the use of chemical, thermal and mechanical property test evaluation tools
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Experience leading a diverse team of scientists and engineers
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Develop and lead interdisciplinary teams and build consensus on complex problems
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Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
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This position requires the ability to obtain a SSBI, 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:
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Experience supporting National Security Space programs is strongly desired
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Ability to develop new business and support customers is highly preferred
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Technical subject matter expertise in the following research topic areas include, but are not limited to: ceramics/metals, polymers/composites, and non-destructive evaluation
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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)
$120,800 – $181,100
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:
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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
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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
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Flexible spending accounts
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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
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Relocation assistance
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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
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Education assistance programs
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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.
