Senior Engineering Specialist

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.

Job Summary

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, solar array and battery/energy storage technology used on a broad range of spacecrafts and leads the community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic and energy storage devices and understanding how they perform in the space environment and operational conditions. Our capabilities for advanced characterization techniques, cross-enterprise reach and customer relationships differentiate our support to national security and civil and commercial space customers.

As a Senior Engineering Specialist within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will be focused on leading efforts coordinating research activities and program deliverables to meet national security space customer needs across the enterprise. You will help to lead adoption of new energy technologies, tools, and prototypes for national security space customers, and will help space programs in response to changing acquisition, environments, and challenges.

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Apply your deep technical experience to lead and support R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmaps, and provide technical assessments of issues and risk associated with the development, test, and fielding of next-generation space solar cell and array technology.

- Utilize the scientific method and interact with, and lead, a team of scientists and engineers to design and perform experiments with subsequent data analysis that directly impacts the direction of space photovoltaic and solar array technology for space missions.

- Build computational modeling tools to support a variety of research focus areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays.

- Effectively communicate technical findings and provide technical consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government customers, and the broader scientific community on topics related to space power generation technology designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs.

- Mentor and provide technical guidance and development insight to junior scientists and engineers; may lead project teams within the department and serve as a point of contact for technical activities across multiple programs.

- Provide technical authority and leadership across cross-organizational teams, prepare technical proposals to secure internal/external R&D funding, and maintain authoritative connections with national laboratories, technical centers, and industry as our organization’s representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements

- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a STEM field with 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 and related scientific/engineering experience, preferably including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management experience.

- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, government program offices, and contractors.

- Exceptionally high level of innovation, creativity, and initiative, with a track record of broad recognition internally and externally among peers, management, program offices, and government customers.

- Experience managing a project and working with or leading a team of junior staff by distributing and monitoring tasks, planning budget, and providing regular progress updates.

- Ability to mentor, motivate and serve as a role model to less experienced staff members.

- Takes initiative to inform on perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action.

- Willing to travel approximately 10% of the time.

- 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.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

- Experience investigating radiation and space environmental effects in materials such as semiconductors, solar array modules and other power generation technologies.

- Current TS/SCI clearance.

- Experience in coordinating research activities and projects in support of space programs across the enterprise.

- Developed 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.

- Demonstrated experience using a common programming/processing language (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, LabVIEW) to implement solutions to problems in device characterization.

Experience preparing technical proposals or securing research funding, and/or maintaining liaison

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)
$151,000.00 - $259,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options