2026 Radiation Effects Scientist
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Radiation Effects Scientist to join the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), specifically within the Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD). PSL supports national security space programs through scientific research and advanced technologies, operating over 150 specialized laboratories. MTD focuses on testing, accelerating, and analyzing failures in space system electronics. The Radiation Effects Scientist will support investigations into radiation effects, reliability, radiation-hardness-by-design, and physics of failure for advanced microelectronic technologies intended for space applications. The role involves supporting national security space programs, internal, and academic collaborators, conducting research on microelectronic device technologies, presenting findings, and supporting the adoption of new technologies. The position is full-time and requires on-site work in El Segundo, CA.
Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 year of industry work experience
- Coursework related to semiconductor reliability or radiation effects
- Knowledge of microelectronic and/or optoelectronic device physics
- Experience in testing semiconductor devices
- Knowledge of radiation environments and the effects of TID and SEE in microelectronics.
- Experience with Python / Labview / Matlab or similar software for data analysis and collection.
- Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the year to customer site/radiation test facility/conferences
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative research projects especially those related to microelectronics.
- Experience designing advanced test structure using layout tools such as Cadence Virtuoso or L-Edit IC
- Experience with radiation hardness-by-design and reliability-by-design test chip development
- Experience in microelectronics reliability, RF testing and or radiation testing
- Experience with GaN, GaAS, SiGe or related RF/5G semiconductor technology
- Experience with modeling / simulation of radiation effects or radiation transport using TCAD tools, MCNP, SRIM, GEANT4, or CRÈME96
- Experience with VHDL/Verilog/FPGA/Microprocessor programming
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support to national security space programs, internal, and academic collaborators
- Conduct innovative basic and applied research on microelectronic device technologies and applications to space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness.
- Present results of assessments/research internally, to customers, at scientific meetings, and publish research in refereed scientific journals.
- Support the adoption and assessment of new technologies and applications, space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness.
- Perform radiation testing on microelectronic and optoelectronic components using gamma-rays, x-rays, neutrons, energetic protons, and energetic heavy ions.
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as 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 — 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
Entry Level
