Senior Engineering Specialist
About The Position
The Senior Engineering Specialist will work in The Aerospace Corporation’s Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), within the Energy Technology Department (ETD), which supports space solar-cell, solar-array, and battery and energy-storage technologies. The role leads and coordinates research activities and program deliverables to meet national security space customer needs across the enterprise, supports adoption of emerging energy technologies, tools, and prototypes, and helps space programs address changing acquisition needs, environments, and challenges. The specialist applies technical expertise to research and development, technology transition, spacecraft solar-cell and array roadmaps, and technical assessments of risks related to next-generation technologies. The role involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, developing computational modeling tools, communicating findings and providing technical consultation, mentoring junior staff, and providing technical leadership across projects and organizations. The selected candidate must work full-time on-site at the El Segundo, California facility and be willing to travel approximately 10% of the time.
Requirements
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a STEM field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Typically 8 or more years of experience conducting opto-electronic materials research, device-physics characterization, space-environment materials evaluation, or modeling, including increasingly responsible related scientific or engineering experience.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, government program offices, and contractors.
- Track record of innovation, creativity, and initiative, with broad recognition among peers, management, program offices, and government customers.
- Experience managing a project and working with or leading junior staff, including task distribution and monitoring, budget planning, and regular progress updates.
- Ability to mentor, motivate, and serve as a role model to less experienced staff.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.
- Ability to work full-time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with multidisciplinary systems engineering and/or program management.
- Experience investigating radiation and space-environment effects in materials such as semiconductors, solar-array modules, and other power-generation technologies.
- Current TS/SCI clearance.
- Experience coordinating research activities and projects in support of space programs across the enterprise.
- Experience developing advanced characterization techniques for space systems.
- Strong background in data analysis and exploitation of large datasets, including data management and applying AI/ML techniques to extract insights from device-characterization or test data.
- Experience using a common programming or processing language such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or LabVIEW to implement device-characterization solutions.
- Experience preparing technical proposals or securing research funding, and/or maintaining liaison.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support R&D projects that reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition.
- Develop future spacecraft solar-cell and solar-array technology roadmaps.
- Assess technical issues and risks associated with the development, testing, and fielding of next-generation space solar-cell and solar-array technology.
- Use the scientific method to design and perform experiments with scientists and engineers, and analyze data that informs space photovoltaic and solar-array technology for space missions.
- Build computational modeling tools for research areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays.
- Communicate technical findings and provide consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government customers, and the scientific community on space power-generation designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance and development insight to junior scientists and engineers.
- Lead department project teams as appropriate and serve as a technical point of contact across multiple programs.
- Provide technical authority and leadership across cross-organizational teams.
- Prepare technical proposals to secure internal or external R&D funding.
- Maintain authoritative connections with national laboratories, technical centers, and industry, representing the organization at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.
- Manage projects and work with or lead junior staff by distributing and monitoring tasks, planning budgets, and providing regular progress updates.
- Inform others of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action.
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 company-paid benefits 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
Senior
