Surface Scientist - Senior Member of Technical Staff

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.

Job Summary 

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a multifaceted scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a 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 Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in materials and surface science with applications in optical thin films, space environmental effects, tribology, and contamination. MPD hosts interdisciplinary teams working across materials science, physics, chemistry, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test materials for space applications. We are seeking a Surface Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff – Chemistry), to conduct research, technology development, and support program activities by applying surface science techniques to current challenges for spacecraft. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in a primary area that best matches their skillset, while also contributing to the interdisciplinary and collaborative teams within MPD.  

Work Model  

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Perform fundamental and applied studies of spacecraft materials, with a focus on the impact of interfacial phenomena to real and modeled systems for applications to tribology, contamination, and/or thin films applications  

• Develop and apply subject matter expertise in surface characterization to spacecraft and launch vehicle systems 

• Develop an understanding of National Security Space (NSS) program needs and develop scientific capabilities to address those needs 

• Collaborate with a variety of technical experts across the laboratories on a wide variety of interdisciplinary projects, including (but not limited to) in the areas of physics, chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, optics, thermal transport, and propulsion 

• Conduct research and applied studies, both individually and in collaborative teams 

• Support with technical insights arising from the results of laboratory research 

• Present results in reports, journal articles, and verbally for NSS customers, contractors, and scientific community 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Surface Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff – Chemistry):

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline is required 

• A minimum of (5) years of increasingly responsible professional