2026 Transmission Electron Microscopy Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

16h•$120,000 - $140,000•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 Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) is part of PSL with specialized laboratories for testing, accelerating, and analyzing, failures in electronics used for space system. MTD is comprised of two sections: one that performs radiation effects testing and discrete microelectronics testing, while the other section performs failure analysis on microelectronics using tools that can identify anomalies from the macroscopic down to the atomic scale.  MTD is looking for a Transmission Electron Microscopy Scientist (Senior MTS – Microelectronics / Semiconductor Engineering) to operate and develop techniques using our transmission electron microscopy to support investigations of physics of failure in silicon CMOS, III-V devices, and other advanced materials and technologies for space applications. 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

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, materials science, or physics (pursuing or conferred within the past 12 months)
0-1 year of industry work experience
Proficient with aberration-corrected Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy (STEM/TEM) and its related instruments: scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam.
Experience with diffractive 4DSTEM, EELS, precession electron diffraction, or EDS
Experience with Python or similar software for computational microscopy techniques for advanced 4DTEM characterization for microelectronics and failure analysis.
Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the year to customer site/conferences
This position requires the 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.
Transcripts

Nice To Haves

Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative research projects especially those related to microelectronics is strongly preferred
Experiences with advanced computational analytical methods like ptychography and tomography.
Experience with electron beam induced/absorbed current (EBIC/EBAC) imaging and its sample prep in the FIB/SEM or STEM.
Experience with semiconductor foundry service, microelectronics processing, semiconductor physics, and microelectronics packaging techniques.
Experience with FIB-ToFSIMS for air sensitive materials e.g. lithium-ion batteries.
Experience with semiconductor integrated circuits layout and design, FEOL, BEOL technologies, 3D/advanced chip packaging techniques is highly desired

Responsibilities

Perform failure analysis and anomaly resolution investigations of integrated circuits and other microelectronic devices using physical analysis techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and electron beam induced current imaging
Provide technical support to national security space programs, internal, and academic collaborators
Conduct research on microelectronic device technologies for application in space systems, including developing new physical analysis techniques and developing knowledge of hardware security verification
Present results of assessments/research internally, to customers, at scientific meetings, and publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Support the adoption and assessment of new technologies and applications, space systems, including technology qualification and assurance

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