2025 CFRP Composites Materials 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The 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.

As the CFRP Composites Materials Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Materials Science), you will conduct and lead applied R&D, failure analysis and anomaly resolution on fiber-reinforced composite materials used for structural applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in materials processing, testing, and characterizations of fiber-reinforced composite materials focused on space and aerospace applications. The candidate will work closely with our Program office and customers as subject matter expert.

Work Model 

This full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Must work well in a team environment 
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in-depth structural materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on carbon fiber composite materials and adhesive bonding issues 
• Developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for composite materials, including lay-up, curing and consolidation techniques 
• Assessing technology gaps and provide direction for process development 
• Supporting onsite reviews on space composite hardware in order to assess risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances 
• Writing proposals, for both internal and external funding sources 
• Directing research on the development of novel composite materials as well as science-based investigations pushing forward materials and processing technologies for space applications 
• Manufacturing demonstration articles, and generate intellectual property 
• Presenting and publishing technical findings as a subject matter expert for impacted hardware to govt., contractor and customer teams along with proposed processing recommendations and resolution pathways for remediation 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Technical experience in fiber-reinfornced composites and well versed in the processing of space composite hardware, as well as the use of chemical, thermal and mechanical property test evaluation tools 
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required) 
• 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:  

• Hands-on experience with using an autoclave, Instron mechanical testing and thermal analysis equipment
• Hands-on experience with characterization of structure-property relationship of high-performance CFRP composite materials and their processing effects on resulting thermal and mechanical properties
• Records on publishing technical papers and delivering conference presentations
• A cur