2026 Plasma Science Research Associate
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Plasma Science Research Associate (Research Associate III) for its Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section within the Physical Sciences Laboratories. The section experimentally studies electric propulsion and other low-temperature plasma space technologies, investigates flight anomalies, characterizes electric propulsion devices, and studies plasma-adjacent phenomena such as electrostatic discharge, sputtering, multipactor breakdown, and plasma-material interactions. The associate will support technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation through laboratory experimentation and analysis. The role involves hands-on design, fabrication, instrumentation, and troubleshooting of experiments, maintenance of existing experiments, and helping ensure electric propulsion and plasma science test infrastructure is ready. The position is full-time and requires working on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. Duties may change or be added as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline, pursued or conferred within the last 12 months.
- 0–1 year of industry experience.
- Fabrication skills using hand tools and basic machine tools.
- Working knowledge of electronics and basic circuit design.
- Working knowledge of data acquisition systems, including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring, and data acquisition software.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in and maintaining a plasma science or electric propulsion laboratory.
- Experience working with high-purity, low-pressure gas flow systems.
Responsibilities
- Support scientists and engineers in the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section with technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis.
- Interface as needed with other internal support organizations.
- Design, fabricate, instrument, and troubleshoot new experiments.
- Maintain existing experiments.
- Support the readiness of electric propulsion and plasma science test infrastructure.
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 a company-paid benefit 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
