Research Scientist | Senior Scientist

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Job description

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

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse 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 a Research Scientist/ Senior Scientist within PSL's Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will be focused on leading efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing data for assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology for national security space customers. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• You will apply your deep technical experience to support the development and lead R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmap, and provide technical assessments of issues and risk associated with development, test and fielding of next generation space solar cell and array technology
• Utilize the scientific method, interact with, or lead a team of scientist and engineers to design and perform experiments with subsequent data analysis that directly impacts the direction of space photovoltaic and solar array technology for space missions
• Build computational modelling tools to support a variety of research focus areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays
• Effectively communicate technical findings and provide technical consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government, and the larger scientific community on topics related to space power generation technology designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs

This position is available as a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Research Scientist

• Ph.D. in a STEM field or equivalent
• Typically (8) years of experience in conducting opto-electronics materials research or device physics characterization or modeling
• Experience with two or more of the following techniques in electro-optical characterization: quantum efficiency measurements, IV measurements, steady-state and/or time-resolved luminescence techniques, minority-carrier lifetime spectroscopy, DLTS, capacitance techniques, scanning defect mapping, reflectance spectroscopy
• Proficient in using common data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Origin, Minitab) to process large amount of data, perform statistical analysis and extract useful information to deepen the understanding of the data
• Demonstrated experience using a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, LabVIEW) to implement solutions to problems in device characterization
• Experienced in managing a project and working/leading a team of junior staff by distributing/monitoring tasks, planning budget, and providing regular updates on progress
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Senior Scientist

Same requirements as a Research Scientist noted above, in addition to:

• Typically (12) years of experience in conducting opto-electronics materials research or device physics characterization or modeling

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Research Scientist or Senior Scientist

• Experience investigating radiation and space environmental effects in materials such semiconductors, perovskites, CIGS, and other power generation technologies
• Developed advanced characterization techniques that elucidated a better understanding on what impacts energy generation systems
• Worked with a team to develop open-source software that implements new methods, models, etc. that helps users to better examine and understand photovoltaic or other energy generation systems
• Experience with exploitation of large datasets, data management and analysis for fundamental research applications such as application of AI/ML to data analysis

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 or by email at . You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.