2025 Optical Coatings Materials Research Scientist

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 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.
The Materials Processing Department (MPD) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) in PSL provides expertise in advanced materials processing, thin films, optical coatings and materials, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials and coatings for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. We are seeking an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist to conduct and lead materials synthesis and characterization, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research in optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in materials and thin films synthesis and characterization, collaborate across disciplines, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.
Work Model : This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Conducting and leading basic and applied research in thin films and optical materials in support of SMC, NRO, NASA, and civil and commercial space programs.
• Providing subject matter expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for National Security Space (NSS) programs.
• Writing proposals to seek internal and external research funding in these and associated areas.
• Developing innovative diagnostic methods for measuring optical and thermal performance of materials and for characterizing the thin film deposition environment.
• Collaborating as part of a team in ongoing research programs by performing state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and optical materials for space applications.
• Establishing technical and scientific expertise within the scientific community and the NSS customer base in these technical areas.
• Proactively supporting NSS programs as a scientific advisor through the application of the results of laboratory research and the resulting knowledge base.
• Documenting results to serve as deliverable products for customers and to the corporate knowledge base.
• Disseminating results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Member of Technical Staff - Materials Science
Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics or a related science or engineering discipline is required.
• 0-1 year of industry work experience.
• Experience with disciplines in optical coatings, thin films, deposition technologies, and/or optical materials.
• Research experience in design, deposition, and characterization of thin films and optical materials.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively convey technical information via oral and written forms. Documented record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), domestically or internationally.
• 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:

• Industry experience in optical coatings or optical materials.
• High level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.
• Experience in modeling of optical thin films or thin film deposition processes.
• Expertise in thin film deposition processes via IAD or IBD techniques is preferred.
• Knowledge providing technical and scientific support in fast paced environments with multiple customers.
• An active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. 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)
$100,000 - $130,000
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 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.