Optical Coatings Research Scientist

2 weeks ago


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

Company Overview

The Aerospace Corporation stands as a reliable ally to the nation's space initiatives, tackling complex challenges and offering unparalleled technical knowledge. As the administrator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we engage extensively across various facets of space, delivering inventive solutions that encompass satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial clients.

Position Summary

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a multifaceted scientific entity that delivers a wide-ranging and innovative 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 state-of-the-art technology development, catering to a broad clientele. Our unique capability to collaborate with all stakeholders—government, industry, and academia—enables us to devise novel solutions to the most pressing challenges in current and future technological applications.

The Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) in PSL offers expertise in advanced materials processing, thin films, optical coatings, and the effects of space environments on materials for sophisticated space systems. MPD comprises an interdisciplinary team that collaborates across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, produce, and evaluate optical materials and coatings for space applications, while also providing technical assistance to national security space programs.

We are currently seeking an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist – Member of Technical Staff 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 ideal candidate will operate laboratory equipment associated with thin film deposition chambers and optical properties characterization instruments, and is expected to contribute to the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and the dissemination of findings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct both fundamental and applied research in thin films and optical materials supporting various space programs.
  • Provide technical guidance and expertise regarding structure-property-processing relationships relevant to the fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of optical coatings and materials.
  • Perform data analysis utilizing analytical calculations, modeling/simulation, and standard statistical methodologies.
  • Collaborate within a team on ongoing research initiatives, executing advanced investigations on optical coatings and materials for space applications.
  • Establish technical and scientific credibility within the scientific community and among the customer base in these technical domains.
  • 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.
  • Exhibit the ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
  • Demonstrate 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 field is required.
  • A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional, industry, or academic experience in optical coatings and materials is essential.
  • Experience in at least one spacecraft discipline related to optical coatings, thin films, deposition technologies, or optical materials is necessary.
  • Laboratory experience in thin film deposition and/or materials characterization, including techniques such as x-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS, and optical properties analysis for thin films and optical materials.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or client sites.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required for this clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Research experience in the preparation or properties of advanced materials for space applications, with a focus on thin films and optical materials.
  • Experience in modeling optical thin films.
  • Familiarity with thin film deposition processes using IAD or IBD techniques.
  • Experience publishing materials research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at technical conferences.
  • An active TS/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government 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 based on various factors, including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

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 are cultivated and different perspectives are valued, leading to superior customer solutions.


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