Optical Thin Films Research Associate

About this role

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. 

The Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, deposit, and test optical materials for space applications. We are seeking an Optical Thin Films Research Associate – Materials Science Research to support research, technology development, and program activities related to optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The successful candidate will directly support scientists and engineers in development and execution of experiments and in the operation of associated laboratories. 

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 • Provide scientific and laboratory support to programs investigating optical materials and thin films for advanced spacecraft applications in support of National Security Space, NASA, and civil and commercial customers. • Operate and utilize materials processing and thin film deposition equipment as well as optical and materials characterization tools and techniques to deposit optical materials and evaluate their behavior. • Work closely with technical staff and scientists to develop, design, build, and modify characterization, testing, and analysis methods and tools for optical materials and thin films. • Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks. Resolve experiment, testing, and hardware issues, anomalies, and challenges. Collect, analyze, and present test data. • Maintain specialized equipment and capabilities, and ensure proper calibration. • Participate in interdisciplinary teams for ongoing research and technical programs. Provide creative solutions to diverse technical problems. • Support more than one technical area of the department as needs arise, and support multiple projects concurrently.

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements:    • Bachelor’s from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline . • Experience or familiarity with thin films, coatings, and optical materials. • Prior experience in a laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols. • Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis. • This position requires the 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. 

How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:    • Master’s degree from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline . • Industry experience in optical coatings and materials, thin film deposition, or optical characterization. • Hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, or materials processing, including thin film deposition techniques (PVD preferred). • Experience with optical modeling of thin films or characterization of optical properties. • Experience with one or more of the following: high-vacuum systems and hardware, lasers and optical systems, automation, data acquisition and measurement systems (such as LabVIEW and PLC programming), mechanical design (such as Solidworks) and machining. • Active TS/SCI 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) $84,600.00 - $126,900.00

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 includ

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