IC 2024 Photonic Research Associate

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Internship conversion position at the RA-III level for the quantum technologies within the Photonics Technology Department.  This position will be located on-site in El Segundo, CA.  

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse 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 Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring a Research Associate. PTD focuses on areas of photonics and electronics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Aerospace Virtual Tours

Work Model:

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing critical support to the laboratory research and development activities as an active member of diverse research teams
• Working with a diverse group of scientists and engineers helping to solve the nation’s most challenging problems
• Setting up laboratory experiments for a variety of projects within the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory
• Collecting and analyzing data and preparing reports based on the data
• Presenting results to team members, management, and program representatives
• Maintaining a safe and organized lab environment
• Supporting field campaigns on an as-needed basis
• Performing literature reviews for emerging quantum and photonics technologies
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• Learning new skills while on the job and becoming independent and knowledgeable in laboratory activities
• Training and mentorship will be provided 

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Must work well in a team environment 
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, optics, or related discipline from an accredited college/university program and to be conferred within 12 months 
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation  
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Laboratory experience in physics, chemistry, or a related discipline 
• Working knowledge of quantum mechanics and optics
• Familiarity with MS Office suite
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or other analytic programming language
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

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

• GPA of 3.5 or higher 
• Active security clearance 
• Advanced coursework in quantum mechanics and optics 
• Laboratory experience with lasers and free-space and fiber optics
• Experience with mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks  

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 - Mid - Max)

$73,000 - $86,000 - $98,000

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:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.