Optical Thin Films Research Associate
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation, operating a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), is seeking an Optical Thin Films Research Associate – Materials Science Research. This role supports research, technology development, and program activities related to optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications within the Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML). The successful candidate will assist scientists and engineers in developing and executing experiments and operating associated laboratories. The Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) division provides scientific research and advanced technology applications for national security systems, with over 150 specialized laboratories for testing, analysis, and troubleshooting of space systems. The Advanced Materials Processing section focuses on optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems, comprising an interdisciplinary team in materials science, optics, and engineering.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline.
- Experience or familiarity with thin films, coatings, and optical materials.
- Prior experience in a laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols.
- Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline.
- Industry experience in optical coatings and materials, thin film deposition, or optical characterization.
- Hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, or materials processing, including thin film deposition techniques (PVD preferred).
- Experience with optical modeling of thin films or characterization of optical properties.
- Experience with one or more of the following: high-vacuum systems and hardware, lasers and optical systems, automation, data acquisition and measurement systems (such as LabVIEW and PLC programming), mechanical design (such as Solidworks) and machining.
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific and laboratory support to programs investigating optical materials and thin films for advanced spacecraft applications in support of National Security Space, NASA, and civil and commercial customers.
- Operate and utilize materials processing and thin film deposition equipment as well as optical and materials characterization tools and techniques to deposit optical materials and evaluate their behavior.
- Work closely with technical staff and scientists to develop, design, build, and modify characterization, testing, and analysis methods and tools for optical materials and thin films.
- Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks.
- Resolve experiment, testing, and hardware issues, anomalies, and challenges.
- Collect, analyze, and present test data.
- Maintain specialized equipment and capabilities, and ensure proper calibration.
- Participate in interdisciplinary teams for ongoing research and technical programs.
- Provide creative solutions to diverse technical problems.
- Support more than one technical area of the department as needs arise, and support multiple projects concurrently.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
