Radiation Effects- Research Scientist / Senior 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. 

The Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) provides technical support to national security space programs. We are seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Scientist to support investigations of electronics reliability and physics of failure of advanced RF silicon, SiGe, SOI, III-V, II-VI, and other technologies for space applications.  

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

Work Model  

This position requires 100% regular onsite work located in El Segundo, CA, offering remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

This position is available as a Research Scientist or a Senior Scientist 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• You will provide technical support to national security space programs, internal and academic collaborators 

• S/he will conduct innovative basic and applied research in microelectronic device technologies and applications to space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness 

• Support the adoption and assessment of new technologies and applications, space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness 

• Perform radiation testing on microelectronic and optoelectronic components using gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, energetic protons, and energetic heavy ions 

• Innovation, velocity, and accountability will primarily be used to assess job performance 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

Research Scientist 

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline is required 

• A minimum of 8 years' experience in RF testing, microelectronic device reliability testing, or microwave device or system engineering, including network analysis, amplifier biasing, impedance matching, load tuning, etc. is required 

• Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and a demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative research projects  

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative research projects 

• Knowledge of microelectronic and optoelectronic device physics 

• Willingness to travel domestically/internationally and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 15% (as required) 

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance w/CI Poly security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

Senior Scientist 

Same requirements as Research Scientist, in addition to: 

• Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, academic and professional conferences, and government repo