Optical Coatings Scientist

2 weeks ago


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

Company Overview

The Aerospace Corporation stands as a pivotal ally to the nation's space initiatives, tackling complex challenges and offering unparalleled technical knowledge. As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we engage comprehensively across the spectrum of space, delivering inventive 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 delivers a broad and innovative research and development framework for an expanding space enterprise. PSL's influence is amplified through a diverse research portfolio that merges foundational scientific inquiry with advanced technology development, catering to a wide customer spectrum. Our unique capability to collaborate with all stakeholders—government, industry, and academia—enables us to devise novel solutions to the most pressing challenges in contemporary and future technology 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 integrates materials science, optics, and engineering to design, fabricate, and evaluate optical materials and coatings for space applications while providing technical support to national security space initiatives.

We are in search of an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist – Technical Staff Member to engage in materials synthesis and characterization, assist in failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and conduct applied research in optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials tailored for space applications. The successful candidate will utilize laboratory equipment for thin film deposition and optical properties characterization, and will be expected to contribute to the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and the dissemination of findings.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct both fundamental and applied research in thin films and optical materials supporting various space programs.
  • Provide technical guidance and expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to the fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of optical coatings and materials.
  • Perform data analysis employing analytical calculations, modeling/simulation, and standard statistical techniques.
  • Collaborate within a team on ongoing research projects, conducting state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and materials.
  • Establish technical and scientific authority within the scientific community and among the customer base in these specialized areas.
  • Document results effectively to serve as deliverables for clients and contribute to the corporate knowledge repository.
  • Share findings through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and effectively communicate technical information in both oral and written formats.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • A Master's degree in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related discipline is required.
  • A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in optical coatings and materials is required.
  • Experience in at least one spacecraft discipline related to optical coatings, thin films, or deposition technologies.
  • Laboratory experience in thin film deposition and/or materials characterization techniques, including x-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS, and optical properties analysis.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites.
  • This position necessitates the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government, requiring U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Research experience in the preparation or properties of advanced materials for space applications, particularly in thin films and optical materials.
  • Experience in modeling optical thin films.
  • Familiarity with thin film deposition processes via IAD or IBD techniques.
  • Publication of materials research in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at technical conferences.
  • An active TS/SCI security clearance is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that rewards performance and recognizes the value brought to our organization. The salary range for this position is determined by various factors, including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy emphasizes that every employee can demonstrate leadership, regardless of their role. We seek individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Commitment to Diversity

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters an environment where unique ideas flourish and differing perspectives are valued, leading to superior customer solutions.



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