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.
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section focuses on experimentally studying electric propulsion and other low-temperature plasma space technologies. This includes performing experiments to resolve flight anomalies, as well as characterizing commercial EP devices using our extensive plasma physics expertise. With a range of test facilities at our disposal, including our world-class EP3 chamber, we are equipped to study not only low-power devices like electrosprays but also high-power (>10 kW) systems. In support of flight programs, the section also investigates other plasma-adjacent phenomena like electrostatic discharge (ESD), sputtering, multipactor breakdown, and other forms of plasma-material interaction. We are looking for a Senior Electric Propulsion Scientist (Senior Scientist - Physics) .
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Interfacing with program office customers to coordinate experimental efforts or present results
Directing the execution of experimental efforts by guiding junior technical staff
Designing and executing experiments, and analyzing resulting data
Proposing and managing internal research projects, both for financial and technical direction
Mentoring junior staff and coordinating new project opportunities for them
What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring
Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics
10+ peer-reviewed technical publications
15+ years of experience in the electric propulsion field
Familiarity with vacuum technology and cryogenics
Demonstrated experience in other areas of low-temperature plasma science, such as ESD or plasma-material interaction
Demonstrated experience working with government program offices or in a systems engineering role
Willing to travel to domestic customer sites or for domestic/international conferences
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
5+ years of additional experience in ESD testing
5+ years of additional experience in plasma-material interaction research
Demonstrated experience with EMI/EMC testing of flight hardware
Industry…