IC 2025 Optical Materials and Manufacturing 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.

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 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 Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials for space applications. We are seeking an Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate to support research, technology development, and program support related to lightweight optical materials and structures for space applications. You will directly support scientists and engineers in development and execution of experiments and in supporting the operations of associated laboratories. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working with scientists and engineers to investigate optical-structural materials for advanced spacecraft applications in support of National Security Space (NSS) customers

• Developing characterization, testing, and analysis methods for materials and components

• Operating and utilizing materials processing and manufacturing equipment, characterization techniques, and optical property measurement tools to manufacture optical materials and evaluate material behavior

• Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks

• Resolving experiment and testing issues, anomalies, and challenges

• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting test data

• Maintaining equipment and capabilities, and ensure proper service and calibration

• Participating in interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research and technical programs

• Supporting more than one technical area of the department as needs arise, and support multiple projects concurrently

What You Need to be Successful - Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate – Materials Science Research

Minimum Requirements:  

• Prior Internship with The Aerospace Corporation

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline 

• 0-1 year of industry work experience   

• Prior experience in the laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols

• Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis

• Basic fabrication skills including cutting, drilling, and tapping metals and glass or ceramics

• Working knowledge of mechanical CAD and interfacing with machine shops for precision machining

• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, less than 10% (as required).   

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S.