Microelectronics Senior Scientist  (Casual)

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
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 Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) in PSL conducts basic and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. MTD is seeking a Microelectronics Senior Scientist - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics (Retiree Casual) for Microelectronics research, specifically X-ray Computed Tomography.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a part-time Retiree Casual position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. All retiree casuals will be limited to under 500 hours paid each calendar year, unless you meet the IRS restrictions, which do not apply to this group. This position is offered through September 30th, 2027, at which point the need for continuation of the position will be evaluated.
What You'll Be Doing

• Works with the department director to support space programs as needed
• Provides strategic guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities
• Perform physical analysis investigations using various destructive and non-destructive imaging tools
• Establish interfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments of staff to projects, monitoring and evaluation of project progress. Identifies opportunities for expanded and new business
• Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities
• Individual participation and leadership in research projects and program support may be required in some instances and is generally encouraged. Prepares written and oral reports of research activities, issues, and accomplishments, and presents to higher management, subordinates, collaborators, and the broader scientific community in the form of journal publications and conference presentations

What You Need to be Successful - Microelectronics Senior Scientist - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics (Retiree Casual)
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or a closely related field is required
• A minimum of 12- years of industry related experience is required
• A six-month period of separation following retirement (e.g., six months must pass before a retiree casual can return to work)
• Knowledge of advanced microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, materials and materials analysis
• Knowledge of and experience with device design and fabrication, test and characterization, reliability, and simulation and modeling tools
• Demonstrated connection to and ability to work with a variety of customers, programs and other ETG organizations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff
• The successful candidate must be highly motivated and goal oriented with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in inter-organizational and inter-disciplinary teams
• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• Casual employment is normally for fewer than 20 hours a week, usually non-continuous, irregular, and infrequent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; 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:

• Advanced degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or a closely related field is strongly preferred
• 15 -years of industry related experience is preferred
• Experience in project or programs focused on focal plane arrays is strongly desired
• Candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:
  X-ray Computed Tomography, X-ray absorption physics, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), microelectronic radiation effects and reliability, image processing and data analysis, and applications in these topic areas. Experience in Program support on issues regarding current or emerging space technologies is strongly desired.

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)
$151,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
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.