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.
The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems that target our customers’ hardest problems at a time of increasing strategic importance. We engage with our customers to conceptualize and deliver innovative and impactful solutions (products) for ground and space and everything in between. xLab’s multi-disciplinary engineers and technical staff have a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help Aerospace make a difference to today’s challenges.
We are looking for a Electromechanical Laboratory Technician (Technical Specialist – Electromechanical III/IV Laboratory Support) to join xLab’s systems and design engineering staff in our Chantilly, VA facility. You will work with experienced engineers and technicians to develop, test and deliver prototype instruments/systems. You will be responsible for mechanical assemblies, electronic hardware and test equipment used in support of flight hardware assembly, integration and test. You will also have a key role in the operation and management of an environmental test facility used for small payload and small sat space vehicle testing (vibration table, thermal ovens, thermal vacuum chamber).
Work Model: This is a full-time, 100% on-site position based in Chantilly, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lab management and maintenance of three medium size labs: stock purchasing and inventory; upkeep and improvement; coordination with Environmental Safety and Health; metrology
- Electromechanical technical support to prototype development as part of multiple integrated product teams: assembly, integration and test; hand soldering and flight quality harness fabrication; fixturing
- Work in ESD and clean room environments and maintain/control standards as necessary
- Technical support for lab hardware and computer systems used in laboratory environments: specialized software installation; CAD and CNC support; prototype PCB design/assembly; ground support equipment; network/testbed setup
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Tech Spec III
- High School Diploma or equivalent minimum of 4 years in a vocational trade school or apprenticeship program. Vocational trade school or Apprenticeship program with 7-10 or more years industry experience with High School Diploma is preferred
- Experience with hand soldering and harness fabrication
- Use of basic lab electronic equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes; and mechanical/precision assembly tools
- Ability to occasionally do domestic travel (<5 trips/year)
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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 Tech Spec IV include:
- Vocational trade school, Apprenticeship program or equivalent 10-12 years industry experience with High School Diploma is preferred
- Demonstrated prior experience executing standard procedures to perform environmental testing on spaceflight hardware (e.g., vibe, TVac)
- Knowledge, experience with assembly and test of spaceflight instruments or systems including contamination control, handling, FOD prevention, etc.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- AA degree [applicable STEM areas or other discipline]
- Current active security clearance (TS/SCI preferred)
- IPC training and/or certification for hand soldering, harness fabrication
- IPC training/certification for PCB inspection
- Labview and/or COSMOS experience
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures appropriate for a prototype lab environment
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.
