Member of Technical Staff
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.
The Laser Communications and Quantum Technologies section of the Photonics Technology Department is seeking an individual to contribute to research efforts within Quantum Technologies. The ideal candidate will contribute to ongoing research in this space, develop new research ideas, publish research for publication internally and externally, and communicate with customers through various means. Responsibilities will also include assisting senior staff with creating briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis. Hands on laboratory experience with a variety of lasers, optics, non-linear materials, related equipment and infrastructure, and data collection and analysis tools are required. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Execute advanced experiments on quantum communications, materials, sensors, and related technologies to support multiple customers in various application areas.
Conduct modeling and simulation, and data acquisition associated with experiments.
Follow established best practices and procedures, contribute to developing additional processes as warranted for safe and productive laboratory operating principles.
Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large on additional projects
Work with management on creating and executing to projects’ budgets and schedules
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s in a STEM field or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of experience in a research laboratory environment in quantum physics, lasers, sensors, non-linear optics, or related areas.
Familiarity with laser communications: systems, components, architectures, link budgets, etc.
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.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Master’s in a STEM field or equivalent
Expertise in laboratory research of quantum technology experiments in communications, sensing, etc.
Experience in modeling laser based optical communications link budgets, with quantum communications and components-based modeling, creating models or simulating experiments in laboratory
Relevant experience or education in laboratory experimentation, developing test strategies, experiment design, and integration and test
Experience with LabView for instrument control and Python for data analysis
Other programming familiarity or experience: MATLAB, Mathematica, R, Visual Basic, C, C++, etc.
Ability to work under minimal supervision, to self-initiate activities, and to work within timelines
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.