2027 Cleanroom & Device Test Associate

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Cleanroom & Device Test Associate to support principal investigators and staff scientists in the Device Physics and Reliability Section of its Physical Sciences Laboratories. The section investigates electronics reliability and physics of failure for advanced microelectronic and RF systems supporting national security space applications. The role combines cleanroom sample preparation and device processing with electrical measurements of the same devices. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

The associate operates cleanroom equipment to prepare, process, and deprocess samples and test structures; handles hazardous chemicals under established safety procedures; performs electrical measurements on bare die and packaged parts; assembles test setups; collects and analyzes data; and communicates results through reports and presentations. The role also includes maintaining cleanroom protocols, equipment logs, and equipment calibration and service capability. Duties and responsibilities may change or be newly assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, either being pursued or conferred within the last 12 months.
• 0–1 year of industry work experience.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment, including gowning and contamination-control protocols.
• Comfort handling harsh or hazardous chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid, under established safety procedures.
• General knowledge of semiconductor devices and circuits.
• Ability to work as a team player and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems quickly.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain the clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, either being pursued or conferred within the last 12 months.
• Experience in a cleanroom or semiconductor fabrication environment, including internships.
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom process tools such as RIE, RTA, wafer dicers, E-beam lithography or evaporation, and photolithography.
• Experience with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Familiarity with KLayout or similar mask/layout design and viewing software.
• Benchtop equipment experience with parameter analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, DC power supplies, or multimeters.
• Experience automating laboratory instruments using Python, LabVIEW, or another programming language.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Operate cleanroom equipment to prepare, process, and deprocess samples and test structures, including reactive ion etching (RIE), rapid thermal annealing (RTA), wafer dicers, lithography aligners, E-beam evaporators, profilometers, and furnaces.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid, under established safety procedures.
• Perform electrical measurements on bare die and packaged parts using probe stations and benchtop test equipment.
• Follow cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures, and maintain equipment logs.
• Assemble test setups based on requirements provided by the principal investigator.
• Collect and analyze measurement data, correlating electrical results with physical and process observations.
• Support reports and presentations that communicate results.
• Maintain equipment capability by ensuring equipment is calibrated and serviced when needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level