Senior Optical Coatings Scientist

2 weeks ago


El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

Company Overview

The Aerospace Corporation stands as a premier partner to the nation's space initiatives, addressing complex challenges and delivering unparalleled technical proficiency. As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we engage comprehensively across the spectrum of space—providing innovative solutions that encompass satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial sectors.

Position Summary

The Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) at Aerospace is a multifaceted scientific entity that offers a broad and inventive research and development framework for an expanding space industry. PSL's influence is amplified through a diverse research portfolio that integrates foundational scientific inquiry with advanced technology development, catering to a wide array of clients. Our unique capability to collaborate with all stakeholders—government, industry, and academia—enables us to devise novel solutions for the most pressing challenges in current and future technological applications.

The Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) at PSL specializes in advanced materials processing, thin films, optical coatings, and the effects of space environments on materials for next-generation space systems. MPD comprises an interdisciplinary team that works across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, fabricate, and evaluate optical materials and coatings for space applications. We are in search of a Senior Optical Coatings Materials Scientist to spearhead materials synthesis and characterization, conduct failure analysis, and engage in applied research concerning optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials tailored for space applications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead both fundamental and applied research in thin films and optical materials to support various space programs.
  • Provide expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to the fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of optical coatings and materials.
  • Draft proposals to secure internal and external research funding in relevant areas.
  • Innovate diagnostic methods for assessing optical and thermal performance of materials and for characterizing thin film deposition environments.
  • Collaborate within teams on ongoing research initiatives, conducting state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and materials.
  • Establish technical and scientific authority within the scientific community and among clients in these technical domains.
  • Support programs as a scientific advisor, applying laboratory research results to enhance knowledge bases.
  • Document findings to serve as deliverables for clients and contribute to the corporate knowledge repository.
  • Share results with the scientific community through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, effectively communicating technical information in both oral and written formats.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • PhD in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of relevant professional experience in optical coatings and materials.
  • Experience with spacecraft disciplines in optical coatings, thin films, and deposition technologies.
  • Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication of technical information.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for work-related purposes.
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in optical coatings or materials.
  • Demonstrated expertise in thin films and optical materials in support of space programs.
  • Strong background in optical characterization methods.
  • Experience leading technical teams in research related to thin films and optical materials.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that rewards performance and recognizes the value each employee brings to our organization. Our benefits include comprehensive health care plans, paid time off, flexible work schedules, and professional development opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and enhances our ability to provide superior solutions to our clients.



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