Research Associate III (Propulsion)

Job Summary 

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 

The Chemical Propulsion and Environmental Science section of the Propulsion Science Department performs laboratory experimentation utilizing multiple vacuum and high-energy test facilities. As a Research Associate III, you will directly support scientist and engineers, both in development and execution of experiments and supporting the operations of associated laboratories.  You will also be responsible for integrating activities within a single full laboratory system and/or multiple integration as well as custom test activities. These activities include integration of design, setup, data collection, and analysis, with overall goals and direction provided by senior staff.  Designs unique solutions toward laboratory measurements, data analysis, and/or prototype deliveries.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• We perform technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis 

• You will directly support research scientists and engineers of the Propulsion Science Department in this function as well as interface as needed with other internal support organizations

• Our technical work demands a wide array of hands-on skillsets to achieve our goals, your applied skills will be critical to the success of the project performed by the department

• Your function will involve the design, fabrication, instrumentation, and troubleshooting of new experiments as well as maintenance of existing experiments

• You will be key to the readiness of our chemical propulsion test infrastructure 

What You Need to be Successful - Research Associate III

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelors’ degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Chemical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required

• Minimum of (3) years of experience in an industry or research environment

• Basic fabrication skills including cutting, drilling, and tapping metals, masonry, and plastics

• Working knowledge of mechanical CAD and interfacing with shops for precision machining

• Working knowledge of tube fitting and bending (such as working with Swagelok, HiP, SAE, NPT) 

• Working knowledge of electrical and data acquisitions systems including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring, and data acquisition software. (such as NI LabVIEW/hardware and PLC programing) 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires 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. 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Chemical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is strongly preferred

• 6+ years of experience in an industry or research environment is preferred

• Experience with rocket test facilities, chemical laboratories, vacuum systems, compressed gases, and/or high-pressure systems, including panel layout and build

• Experience handling propellants, cryogens, ordnance, and/or high energy materials

• Experience with glassware, basic synthesis experience, chemical handling & storage, and developing safety procedures