Composites Research 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.

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.

Job Summary 

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.  

As the Composites Research Scientist (Research Scientist, Materials Science Department), you will lead R&D, develop and execute new strategies for integrated research and collaboration across academia, civil, DoD/IC, and industry. S/he should be able to leverage new corporate investments in Polymers/Composites. You will work across multiple internal and external organizations to solve issues and break new ground in research within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL). 

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in depth structural materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on composite materials and bonding issues 

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for composite materials, including lay-up, curing and consolidation techniques 

• Assess technology gaps and provide direction for process development 

• Support pedigree reviews in order to assesses risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances 

• Write proposals, for both internal and external funding sources 

• Direct research on the development of novel composite material applications as well as science based investigations pushing forward materials and processing technologies for space applications 

• Manufacture demonstration articles, and generate intellectual property 

• Present and publish 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 

• Assist the Director in developing MSD future strategy 

• Mentor of junior staff on both technical and programmatic issues 

What You Need to be Successful – Composites R