2027 Time and Frequency Systems Scientist
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a candidate for its Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Section within the Physical Sciences Laboratories. The section conducts basic physics research and applied precise-timekeeping work. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory development of atomic clock ensemble testbeds, simulations of space-timekeeping architectures, time-transfer and synchronization studies, and applications of machine learning to atomic-clock operation and timescale construction. Candidates with a relevant science or engineering background and an interest in precision timekeeping will be considered. The role involves contributing to ongoing research, developing new research ideas, preparing research for internal and external publication, and communicating with customers. The employee will also assist senior staff with briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis. The position is full-time and requires working on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university program, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- 0–1 year of industry work experience.
- Hands-on experience in a research laboratory environment with 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.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Provide transcripts.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university program, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- Knowledge of space-based position, 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, 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 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 act as a steward of individual and team contributions.
- Assist senior staff with briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis.
- Contribute to ongoing research and develop new research ideas.
- Prepare research for internal and external publication.
- Communicate with customers through various means.
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; 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.
- 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
