Senior Member of Technical Staff | 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.
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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.
The Electric Propulsion and Plasma Sciences section within PSL maintains state-of-the-art laboratories devoted to the development and characterization of electric propulsion and RF power systems. RF power systems are susceptible to plasma breakdown phenomena (e.g., Multipactor, Corona) that present mission risk to our primary National Security Space customers as well as Civil (NASA) and commercial customers. Aerospace is an international leader in breakdown testing and characterization and developing industry standards for risk mitigation. This is a full-time position in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
- You will lead basic and applied research in Multipactor and electrical gas breakdown, plasma physics
- S/he will develop new research programs that advance the state of the art for Multipactor and corona breakdown
- You will be responsible for developing innovative diagnostic methods for measuring RF component performance
- Perform data analysis using analytical calculations, charged particle simulations, and standard statistical methods
- S/he will lead the ongoing laboratory research programs and establish new scientific expertise within the scientific community and National Security Space (NSS) customer base
- Develop and foster multiple NSS program offices interactions as corporate scientific advisor
- Provide recommendations for technology developments and applications to the DOD and NASA and other customers
This position is available as a Senior Member of Technical Staff or as a Research Scientist
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Senior Member of Technical Staff
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
- Typically (5) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
- Solid understanding of fundamental plasma processes relevant to RF plasma breakdown and Multipactor
- Experience with mechanical design, laboratory electronics, and experimental setup is necessary
- Experience using diagnostic methods for plasma physics, RF devices/systems, electromagnetic wave plasma interaction
- Laboratory experience with plasma probe diagnostics, non-invasive plasma diagnostics, vacuum systems, data acquisition software and interfacing computers with lab equipment is required
- Willing to travel domestically/internationally approx. 10%
- 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
Research Scientist
Same requirements as Senior Member of Technical Staff noted above, in addition to:
- PhD in in a STEM field or equivalent
- Typically (8) years in plasma physics, RF devices/systems, electromagnetic wave plasma interaction, and laboratory measurements in breakdown phenomena is required
- Strong publication record of accomplishment
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Senior Member of Technical Staff or Research Scientist
- Experience in Electric Propulsion diagnostics, testing, and characterization
- Experience with Spark3D, Ansys HFSS, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or other similar software
- Experience with PIC codes
- Successful record of accomplishment writing and securing R&D funding
- A current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is highly desirable
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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law andthe supplement, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.