Senior Space Research Scientist

1 week ago

Chantilly, Virginia, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

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

At Aerospace, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees can contribute to a mission that transcends individual aspirations.

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a multifaceted scientific entity that offers a wide-ranging 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 state-of-the-art technology development, catering to a broad clientele. PSL's 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 strength of PSL lies in the combination of advanced tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our personnel. We leverage these resources across over 150 laboratories to address emerging challenges in the space sector.

The Space Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Physics) role within PSL's Space Sciences Department emphasizes the study of the ionosphere, thermosphere, and the overall space environment. Responsibilities include reporting on scientific and application outcomes through direct engagement with clients and corporate leadership, participation in scientific conferences, and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support a diverse array of critical space programs by applying insights from space science research and fostering interactions with a varied customer base.
  • Collaborate with space system communities to document and comprehend the impacts of the space environment on operations, participate in anomaly investigations, and utilize established assessment methods to recommend material solutions.
  • Lead and contribute to proposals for research funding from customer organizations and collaborate internally and externally to develop innovative techniques for measuring, monitoring, and forecasting space environment impacts on space systems.
  • Conduct scientific research on ionospheric and thermospheric processes through data analysis and modeling to enhance understanding of environmental influences on space system operations, and share results through briefings, reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Adapt to evolving duties, responsibilities, and activities as necessary.
  • Utilize strong communication and presentation skills to articulate complex technical issues effectively.
  • Demonstrate strong written and oral communication abilities.
  • Collaborate effectively within a team environment.
  • Employ organizational, time management, and project management skills.

Qualifications for Success

Minimum Requirements:

  • PhD degree from an accredited institution in space science, physics, space physics, geophysics, engineering, or a closely related field (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months).
  • 0-1 year of industry experience.
  • Proficiency in scientific methods and data analysis.
  • Understanding of ionospheric and thermospheric processes and modeling.
  • Experience in conducting research utilizing experimental techniques and data analysis is essential.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally to meet customer needs, approximately 10% (as required).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required for clearance.
  • Current academic transcript.

Preferred Qualifications

It would be advantageous if you possess:

  • A proven record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at technical conferences or related publications.
  • Experience in designing, constructing, testing, and deploying space science instrumentation.
  • Experience in analyzing various datasets of space physics measurements, including data management and analysis for fundamental research and applications.
  • Experience in building collaborations across multiple organizations and working with contractors and/or program offices.
  • A current TS/SSBI (SCI) security clearance issued by the U.S. government is highly desirable.

We provide a competitive compensation package where you will be recognized based on your performance and the value you bring to our organization. The grade-based pay range for this position is outlined below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through various factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

(Min - Max)

$103,000 - $150,400 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is straightforward: every employee, regardless of level and role, can exhibit leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is to our people. To nurture our talent and ensure a robust pipeline of future leaders, we seek individuals who:

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

Employee Rewards

During the interview process, our team will provide details about our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
  • 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
  • Relocation assistance.
  • Professional growth and development programs to advance your career.
  • Education assistance programs.
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

We celebrate our uniqueness, coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to excel at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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