2026 Optical Coatings Material Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$120,000 - $140,000•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 Materials Processing Department (MPD) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) within PSL conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials processing, optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials and coatings for space applications and provide technical support to national security space programs in these areas. MPD is seeking an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist – Sr. Member of Technical Staff to conduct and lead materials synthesis and characterization, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research and program support in optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in coating materials and thin film synthesis and characterization, collaborate across disciplines, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

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
PhD degree from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Demonstrated expertise and experience in optical coatings, thin films, deposition technologies, and optical materials
Research experience and hands-on laboratory work in design, deposition, and characterization of optical coatings and materials
Established record of peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community in these technical areas
Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects
Ability to convey technical information via oral and written form, and ability to write proposals to seek internal and external research funding
Willing to travel as needed (~15%) to work locations or customer sites, domestically or internationally
This position requires the 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.
Transcripts

Nice To Haves

Experience in industry related to optical coatings and materials for space applications
Established technical and scientific record of expertise and experience within the NSS customer base, including for programs, missions, customers, or contractors
Experience providing technical and scientific support in fast-paced environments with multiple customers
Proven ability to work across disciplines and collaborate with multiple subject matter experts
Demonstrated expertise and experience in optical measurement techniques and optical characterization methods
Experience in modeling of optical thin films or thin film deposition processes
High level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative
Active TS/SCI security clearance

Responsibilities

Conduct and lead applied research and direct program activities in optical coatings and materials in support of SMC, NRO, NASA, and civil and commercial space programs
Provide subject matter expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to design, fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of a wide variety of optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials in support of various satellite programs
Establish technical and scientific expertise within the scientific community and the National Security Space (NSS) customer base in these technical areas
Proactively support NSS programs as a scientific advisor by applying the results of laboratory studies to technical issues and documenting the findings in deliverable products for the corporate knowledge base
Collaborate as part of a team in ongoing programs by performing state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and optical materials for space applications
Write proposals to seek internal and external research funding in these and associated areas
Disseminate results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.
The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max) $120,000.00 - $140,000.00
Pay Basis: Annual
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