2025 Research Assistant - Space Photovoltaic Hardware/Device Testing

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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL leads the space photovoltaics community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing novel photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. Our capabilities for advanced characterization techniques and dedication to precision and accuracy supports our national security and civil and commercial space customers with reliable data to predict the performance and degradation of their solar arrays in the harsh environment in space.

As a Space Photovoltaics Hardware/Device Testing Research Associate, you will directly support scientists and engineers by leveraging your skills to proactively identify, troubleshoot, and address challenges in the test and characterization of space solar cells and coupons. You will be responsible for integrating activities within a single full laboratory system and/or multiple integration as well as custom test activities. These activities include integration of design, setup, data collection, and analysis, with overall goals and direction provided by senior staff.  You will also support designing unique solutions toward laboratory measurements, data analysis, and/or prototype deliveries in addition to maintaining and repairing existing equipment used for characterizing photovoltaic devices.

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Performing tests and measurements of photovoltaic devices on systems using LabVIEW and related tools

• Conducting testing in a development mode: diagnose malfunctions or design problems and determine corrective actions to achieve measurement precision and accuracy

• Supporting general laboratory activities including maintenance, calibration, cleanliness, organization, purchasing and inventory

• Assisting in the design, construction, test, and checkout of test equipment

• Recommending improvements or modifications to engineering designs as necessary

• Fostering a collaborative working environment through open communication, embracing diverse viewpoints to spur innovation and maintaining a cohesive, mission-driven team dynamic
   

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• BS in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or related discipline

• 0-1 year of related industry experience

• Experience in hardware and device testing

• Experience with electrical test equipment such as meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, Keithleys, and similar equipment

• Working knowledge of LabVIEW or related software for data acquisitions systems including measuremen