Battery Research Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

11d•$117,300 - $175,900•Onsite

About The Position

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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts applied research in energy technology in support of space power systems, developing new tools and capabilities for characterization, evaluation, and assessment in support of acquisition of current and next generation energy storage and energy generation technology for national security space customers. As a Battery Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Chemistry or Research Scientist - Chemistry) within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will lead efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft applications. You will direct R&D projects, provide technical expertise and assessments, and guide the development of next generation spacecraft energy storage technologies for national security space customers. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
5 years of increasingly responsible experience with battery/energy storage research, manufacturing, test, and integration or related technical expertise (for Senior Member of Technical Staff - Chemistry)
8 years of increasingly responsible experience with battery/energy storage research, manufacturing, test, and integration or related technical expertise (for Research Scientist – Chemistry)
Strong foundation in electrochemistry principles, materials science, and/or energy storage systems
Hands-on experience with battery testing protocols, characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, EIS, cyclic voltammetry), or data interpretation
Able to identify technical support requirements and work effectively within matrix organization to obtain required support
Willing to travel approx. 10-20% (as required)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
Experience working in government customer-facing organizations
A strong technical background and experience in batteries and energy storage technology, requirements development, design or development for one or more National Security Space systems, including sub-system AI&T, anomaly investigation, and on-orbit operation
Experience with modeling and simulation of battery performance, degradation mechanisms, or materials behavior (e.g., electrochemical modeling, thermal modeling, physics-based models)
Expertise in battery failure analysis and anomaly resolution
Technical leadership experience as a principal investigator, technical lead, or program lead
Strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

Responsibilities

Develop and lead R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition
Develop new techniques and approaches to analyze and model energy storage technology
Develop future spacecraft battery and energy storage roadmaps
Provide technical assessments of issues and risk associated with development, test and fielding of current and next generation battery and energy storage technologies, for spacecraft and launch vehicle applications
Conduct failure analysis and anomaly investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions for battery and energy storage systems
Coordinate with colleagues, customers, and other technical discipline experts to design and perform experiments and analyze data to directly impact the direction of energy storage in space vehicle and launch vehicle applications
Maintain networks with other program offices, engineering experts, and organizations across the national security space community, including defense contractors and battery manufacturers
Prepare detailed reports, technical publications, and brief findings and recommendations to department colleagues, program offices, government, and Aerospace management

Benefits

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 help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect