2024 Materials Chemistry Intern

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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Undergraduate Contamination: Materials Chemistry Intern.

The Contamination Control group in the Materials Processing Department is an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, optics, and physics to understand the formation, transport, and interactions of contamination in the space environment. We use a variety of custom-built laboratory facilities and computational modeling tools to characterize materials, working to mitigate their negative impact on critical space hardware.

We are seeking an individual with a foundation in chemistry, materials, or physics, and motivation to learn and work in this interdisciplinary research area on topics including materials characterization, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and optical degradation, utilizing custom experimental facilities and data analysis techniques. The section’s research and customer program support activities are well-established and supported by highly trained and accomplished staff.

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working collaboratively with experienced staff on experimental and analytical research projects related to contaminant material studies
• Being trained to operate custom experimental test equipment, working with vacuum, cryogenic, optical, and spectroscopy systems
• Helping to resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges
• Data acquisition
• Sample characterization
• Working with, analyzing, and presenting test data
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• Training and mentorship will be provided 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related discipline  
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 
• Prior experience in the laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols 
• Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Coursework in general chemistry or materials chemistry
• This position requires the eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance; which is issued by the US government. 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
• Coursework or hands-on laboratory experience related to FTIR, spectroscopy, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, or optics
• Experience with data analysis or proficiency in programming (e.g., Python)

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

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)

$25.00 - $26.00 - $28.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.