2027 Time and Frequency Systems Scientist
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Section in the Physical Sciences Laboratories conducts basic physics research and applied precise-timekeeping work. The selected candidate will contribute to research involving atomic clock ensemble testbeds, simulations of space-timekeeping architectures, time transfer and synchronization studies, and the application of machine learning to atomic-clock operation and timescale construction. The position is intended for a candidate with a relevant science or engineering background and an interest in precision timekeeping. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research, develop new research ideas, prepare research for internal and external publication, and communicate with customers. They will also support senior staff with briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis. The role requires full-time, on-site work at the facility in El Segundo, California.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, either pursuing the degree or having completed it within the last 12 months.
- 0–1 year of industry work experience.
- Hands-on experience in a research laboratory environment involving precise timekeeping and related equipment and infrastructure.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, including test and demonstration planning, time and resource management, laboratory safety, and research documentation.
- 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.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, either pursuing the degree or having completed it within the last 12 months.
- Knowledge of space-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) and its users.
- Experience generating precision timescales and ensembles for timekeeping metrology.
- Experience with electrical design and prototyping for optical sensors and devices, including laser drivers, temperature control, low-noise detectors, and amplifiers.
- Experience prototyping miniature and compact optical, fiber-optic, and/or integrated photonic devices.
- Experience with time transfer and synchronization, especially satellite time transfer.
- Experience working with commercial manufacturers of atomic clocks, quantum sensors, or other precision fieldable devices.
- Experience with pulsed optically pumped clocks, coherent population trapping, mercury ion clocks, frequency combs, or optical clocks.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute experiments and data analysis in precise timekeeping and atomic clocks.
- Follow established laboratory best practices and procedures, and contribute to developing additional processes for safe and productive laboratory operations.
- Collaborate with staff within the department and across the organization on additional projects.
- Work with management to create and execute project budgets and schedules.
- Mentor staff and steward individual and team contributions.
- Assist senior staff with briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis.
- Contribute to ongoing research, develop research ideas, prepare research for publication internally and externally, and communicate with customers.
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 contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting 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
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
