Electromechanical Technical Specialist – Focal Plane Array Test Laboratory

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 Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our staff includes subject matter experts across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency; infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. This posting is in search of a fabrication technical specialist within the Visible and Infrared Sensor Systems Department’s focal plane array testing laboratory.

Work Model:

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, California.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carry out a series of engineering tasks under supervision and guidance from immediate supervisor, project leaders, and/or other MTS professionals in the group
• Maintain a safe and orderly laboratory environment. This includes routine lab housekeeping, regular laboratory safety inspections, maintaining current laboratory chemical inventory, and ensuring certification of all electrostatic discharge sensitive test stations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment inventory and assist in corporate property and metrology processes.
• Procure laboratory supplies and low-value equipment with a corporate procurement card.
• Transport high-value test articles and special test equipment to/from local contractors and across the Aerospace campus
• Document processes and procedures
• Use MS programs such as Word, Power-point, Outlook, Excel, and Teams to communicate and collaborate on projects
• Work in a laboratory environment with possible exposure to liquid cryogens, high voltages, and hazardous materials.

This position is available as a Fabrication Technology Specialist IV or Fabrication Technology Specialist V – both require full-time onsite presence

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Electromechanical Technology Specialist IV

• High School Diploma or equivalent  minimum of 4 years in a vocational trade school or apprenticeship program
• 7-10 or more years industry experience
• Experience working with laboratory safety protocols
• Experience handling multiple priorities and projects at one time
• Experience with a variety of assembly techniques and tools (e.g. epoxy, thread-locker, torque wrench, soldering iron, microscope, etc.)
• Experience in preparing and executing test procedures with high levels of attention to detail
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• 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

Electromechanical Technology Specialist V

Same requirements as a Electromechanical Technology Specialist IV noted above, in addition to:

• 10-12 or more years industry experience

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience working with electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices and/or knowledge of ESD compliance protocols
• Experience leading the design and fabrication of mechanical assemblies and fixtures for focal plane array laboratory special test equipment
• Demonstrated hands-on fabrication and assembly skills
• Active secret clearance
• Experience overseeing a laboratory environment

• Ability to be detail oriented
• Possession of  strong organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and projects
• Ability work independently, self-initiate activities, and work within schedule timelines 
• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations