Senior Research Scientist - Materials Science

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 Materials Science Department is seeking a well-qualified, Senior Research Scientist with a strong foundation in polymers and composites, focusing on composites design, layup, assembly, inspection, characterization and mechanical testing. You will provide project engineering leadership in polymers characterization and composite design, layup, assembly, inspection, and mechanical testing.  The Space Materials Laboratory conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials science, additive manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. The section’s research and customer program support activities are well-established and supported by highly trained and accomplished staff. 

Work Model 

This is an on-site position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Work in Polymers/Composites section of the Materials Science Department 

• Acts as senior technical authority and lead studies in structure-property-performance of polymers and composites and leads laboratory tasks and develop insights that impacts active launch and space vehicle programs 

• Lead with impact in the area of composites manufacturing, modification of recipes based on characterization of microstructures and mechanical properties to establish space industry best practices 

• Operates strategically to lead sign resolution and test issues/anomalies/challenges 

• Interface with Aerospace program office and industry to develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space vehicle hardware 

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to experimental design, data evaluation, and fabrication 

• Facilitate and actively engage with Metals Section and Nondestructive Evaluation Section colleagues on joint projects 

• Understand customer problems and issues and turn them into tasks that can be supported by Aerospace capabilities at large, including cross ETG and external company teaming. Delivers results and lead communications with personnel within PSL and between organizations within Engineering Technology Group 

• Fosters innovation by serving as principal investigator of research activities, including grant proposal writing; prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues, and the broader scientific community 

• The candidate must also be able to lead change, serve as a role model, and mentor early career staff and be a true force multiplier 

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Research Scientist - Materials Science

Minimum Requirements: 

• PhD degree in Chemistry and/or Material Science and Engineering is required

• 12 years of applicable engineering experience is required

• Superior project management and team leadership skills and experience 

• Served as principal investigator of research and development on polymers and composites for launch or space vehicle applications 

• Background in chemistry, materials science, polymer characterization, composite fabrication (autoclave, out-of-autoclave) 

• Ability to apply broad thinking and to quickly understand and absorb a wide array of materials characterization techniques and mechanical testing procedures 

• Authored grant proposals and served as principal investigator on externally funded research grants and commercial contracts 

• Experienced managing technical projects and cross-organizational teams 

• Exceptional interpersonal communication and briefing skills along with the ability to work independently 

• Serves as effective liaison between government, Aerospace, and contractor personnel 

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approximately 20%  

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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: 

• 15+ years of applicable engineering experience is strongly preferred

• Supervised polymer synthesis for high temperature composites 

• Experience with polymer characterization and composite trade studies, technology insertion, requirements definition to support launch vehicle programs 

• Possess extensive knowledge of the breadth and depth of the Engineering and Technology Group’s technical capabilities 

• A current and active Secret security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.