Space Photovoltaics Engineer/Scientist
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) support 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL provides expert technical assistance for space solar cell and solar array technology used on a broad range of spacecrafts and leads the community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. Our advanced characterization techniques and dedication to precision and accuracy support our national security and civil and commercial space customers with reliable data to predict the performance and degradation of their solar arrays in the harsh environment of space. As a Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff, you will be responsible for leading efforts to develop techniques, tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology for national security space programs. You will collaborate with industry partners and program offices to ensure the success of critical space missions by evaluating and understanding the relevant properties of different components of the solar array and how they degrade in the relevant space environment. Highlights of our lab’s capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field.
- 2 or more years of experience in photovoltaics research or device physics characterization.
- Experience with photovoltaics characterization techniques such as quantum efficiency, IV measurements, or electroluminescence.
- Experience operating laboratory instrumentation relevant to photovoltaics characterization.
- Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and apply engineering techniques using judgment to meet assignment objectives.
- Experience with common data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Origin).
- Willing to travel occasionally (approximately 10%) to customer sites or professional conferences.
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- 5 or more years of experience in photovoltaics research or device physics characterization.
- Experience with two or more laboratory instruments relevant to photovoltaics characterization.
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan and conduct technical work, devising new approaches to problems as needed.
- Track record of engaging with inter-organizational teams and external customers on matters of technical importance.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external customers.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field.
- Experience investigating radiation and space environmental effects in photovoltaic materials such as Si, III-V, perovskites, CdTe, CIGS, or other power generation technologies.
- Developed advanced characterization techniques that provided deeper understanding of how energy generation systems perform and degrade.
- Demonstrated experience developing laboratory test capabilities through hardware/software integration (LabVIEW, Python, C++, Arduino).
- Developed software implementing new methods or models to better examine and understand photovoltaic or other energy generation systems.
- Experience with common database tools such as MongoDB, InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or S3.
- Experience with on-orbit telemetry analysis and data processing.
- Hands-on experience in solar array or solar cell manufacturing and production.
- Exposure to data analysis or basic AI/ML techniques (e.g., Python-based scripts or open-source libraries) through coursework, academic projects, or early research experience, with interest in applying these to device characterization or test data.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the development and characterization of advanced solar array technologies for national space missions
- Design and perform experiments that directly impact the direction of space photovoltaic and solar array technology for space missions.
- Apply hands-on engineering and scientific methods to support design and development of characterization capabilities for advanced space photovoltaic technologies.
- Apply practical experience in test and measurement to characterize photovoltaic devices and develop procedures.
- Contribute to data management, software analysis, and modeling tools.
- Communicate technical findings through presentations, reports, and documentation to colleagues, management, and customers.
- Independently plan and conduct work, devise new approaches to problems encountered, and engage with inter-organizational teams and outside customers on matters of technical importance.
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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
