2025 Electromechanical 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, physics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials for space applications. We are seeking an Electromechanical Research Associate to support research, technology development, and program activities related to space environmental effects on materials and optical thin films for spacecraft applications. You will directly support MPD scientists in development and execution of experiments and in the operation 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

• Providing technical support to programs investigating spacecraft material properties, focused on optical properties and space environmental effects on materials.

• Providing laboratory and analytical support to space environment effects simulations, testing, and materials research.

• Maintaining and operate specialized high-vacuum exposure chambers used for radiation exposure testing of spacecraft materials, including setting up experiments, modifying test equipment, maintaining laboratory assets, writing software, and making relevant measurements.

• Working closely with scientists and technical staff to perform experiments and resolve experiment or testing anomalies and challenges.

• Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out scientific and/or engineering tasks.

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

What You Need to be Successful – Electromechanical Research Associate 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university program in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

• 0-1 year of industry work experience.

• Electro-mechanical skills and familiarity with electrical and mechanical components.

• Prior experience in a laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently with careful attention to detail.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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:  

• Experience with high-vacuum systems, actuators, valves, etc.

• Experience with computer interface / control of lab equipment, automation, or data acquisition and measurement systems (such as LabVIEW,