2025 Manufacturing and Characterization Research Associate

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 Manufacturing and Characterization Research Associate (Research Associate lll – Materials Science Research), you will operating equipment for the processing and characterization of various materials, including metals, polymers, and composites.  Materials processing includes additive manufacturing, composite layups, and various post-processing heat treatments.  Characterization will be utilized to better understand the structure and properties of these materials.  The ideal candidate will have a hands-on role in failure analysis and applied research of these materials and will participate with an interdisciplinary team as part of ongoing projects.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour 

Work Model 

This is a 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

• Operation and upkeep of materials processing equipment including additive manufacturing machines (both metallic and polymeric), autoclaves, and furnaces/ovens
• Test mechanical properties of various structural material, such as composites, polymers, metals, and ceramics to characterize strength, stiffness and other related properties
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed.  Monitor and maintain test facilities and equipment. 
• Apply engineering standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience or coursework in manufacturing, characterization of testing of composites, metallic structures, and AM processed hardware
• Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software
• Ability to troubleshoot of test equipment anomalies
• This position requires the ability to obtain a SSBI, which is issued by the U.S. 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:  

• Masters degree from an accredited program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience with mechanical testing including the use of transducers (force, pressure, strain, displacement, etc.)
• Hands on experience with polymeric and/or metallic additive manufacturing equipment
• Solid understanding of software and programming fundamentals such as LabVIEW for data acquisition.
• Familiarity with electronic circuit design/analysis for data acquisition and troubleshooting of test equipment