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.
Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) support 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL provides expert technical assistance for space solar cell, solar array and battery/energy storage technology used on a broad range of spacecrafts and leads the community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic and energy storage devices and understanding how they perform in the space environment and operational conditions. Our capabilities for advanced characterization techniques, cross-enterprise reach and customer relationships differentiate our support to national security and civil and commercial space customers.
As a Senior Engineering Specialist within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will be focused on leading efforts coordinating research activities and program deliverables to meet national security space customer needs across the enterprise. You will help to lead adoption of new energy technologies, tools, and prototypes for national security space customers, and will help space programs in response to changing acquisition, environments, and challenges.
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
Apply your deep technical experience to lead and support R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmaps, and provide technical assessments of issues and risk associated with the development, test, and fielding of next-generation space solar cell and array technology.
Utilize the scientific method and interact with, and lead, a team of scientists and engineers to design and perform experiments with subsequent data analysis that directly impacts the direction of space photovoltaic and solar array technology for space missions.
Build computational modeling tools to support a variety of research focus areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays.
Effectively communicate technical findings and provide technical consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government customers, and the broader scientific community on topics related to space power generation technology designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs.
Mentor and provide technical guidance and development insight to junior scientists and engineers; may lead project teams within the department and serve as a point of contact for technical activities across multiple programs.
Provide technical authority and leadership across cross-organizational teams, prepare technical proposals to secure internal/external R&D funding, and maintain authoritative connections with national laboratories, technical centers, and industry as our organization’s representative…