Microelectronics Senior Scientist  (Casual)

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 Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) in PSL conducts basic and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. MTD is seeking a Microelectronics Senior Scientist - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics (Retiree Casual) for Microelectronics research, specifically X-ray Computed Tomography.

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

Work Model

This is a part-time Retiree Casual position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.  All retiree casuals will be limited to under 500 hours paid each calendar year, unless you meet the IRS restrictions, which do not apply to this group. This position is offered through September 30th, 2027, at which point the need for continuation of the position will be evaluated.    

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Works with the department director to support space programs as needed

• Provides strategic guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities

• Perform physical analysis investigations using various destructive and non-destructive imaging tools

• Establish interfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments of staff to projects, monitoring and evaluation of project progress. Identifies opportunities for expanded and new business

• Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities

• Individual participation and leadership in research projects and program support may be required in some instances and is generally encouraged. Prepares written and oral reports of research activities, issues, and accomplishments, and presents to higher management, subordinates, collaborators, and the broader scientific community in the form of journal publications and conference presentations

What You Need to be Successful - Microelectronics Senior Scientist - Signal & Image Process Engineering and Physics  (Retiree Casual)

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or a closely related field is required

• A minimum of 12- years of industry related experience is required

• A six-month period of separation following retirement (e.g., six months must pass before a retiree casual can return to work)

• Knowledge of advanced microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, materials and materials analysis

• Knowledge of and experience with device design and fabrication, test and characterization, reliability, and simulation and modeling tools

• Demonstrated connection to and ability to work with a variety of customers, programs and other ETG organizations

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff

• The successful candidate must be highly motivated and goal oriented with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in inter-organizational and inter-disciplinary teams 

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

• Casual employment is normally for fewer than 20 hours a week, usually non-continuous, irregular, and infrequent.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; 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:  

• Advanced degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or a closely related field is strongly preferred

• 15 -years of industry related experience is preferred

• Experience in project or programs focused on focal plane arrays is strongly desired 

• Candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:  
  X-ray Computed Tomography, X-ray absorption physics, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), microelectronic radiation effects and reliability, image processing and data analysis, and applications in these topic areas.  Experience in Program support on issues regarding current or emerging space technologies is strongly desired.