Senior Electric Propulsion Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$151,300 - $226,900•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 Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section focuses on experimentally studying electric propulsion and other low-temperature plasma space technologies. This includes performing experiments to resolve flight anomalies, as well as characterizing commercial EP devices using our extensive plasma physics expertise. With a range of test facilities at our disposal, including our world-class EP3 chamber, we are equipped to study not only low-power devices like electrosprays but also high-power (>10 kW) systems. In support of flight programs, the section also investigates other plasma-adjacent phenomena like electrostatic discharge (ESD), sputtering, multipactor breakdown, and other forms of plasma-material interaction. We are looking for a Senior Electric Propulsion Scientist (Senior Scientist - Physics).

Requirements

PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics
10+ peer-reviewed technical publications
15+ years of experience in the electric propulsion field
Familiarity with vacuum technology and cryogenics
Demonstrated experience in other areas of low-temperature plasma science, such as ESD or plasma-material interaction
Demonstrated experience working with government program offices or in a systems engineering role
Willing to travel to domestic customer sites or for domestic/international conferences
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.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of additional experience in ESD testing
5+ years of additional experience in plasma-material interaction research
Demonstrated experience with EMI/EMC testing of flight hardware
Industry experience working with flight EP systems
Demonstrated participation in EP or plasma science professional associations

Responsibilities

Interfacing with program office customers to coordinate experimental efforts or present results
Directing the execution of experimental efforts by guiding junior technical staff
Designing and executing experiments, and analyzing resulting data
Proposing and managing internal research projects, both for financial and technical direction
Mentoring junior staff and coordinating new project opportunities for them

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