2025 X-ray Imaging Scientist

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 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) at The Aerospace Corporation conducts basic and applied research in aerospace parts for space applications, and provides technical support to national security space programs. The MTD is seeking an X-ray Imaging Scientist to support investigations of aerospace parts’ reliability and physics of failure in advanced devices, materials, and processes for space applications. S/he will perform materials and device characterization to identify root cause of failure by various techniques including X-ray radiography and computed tomography. The staff member will apply and develop techniques for data and image analysis of X-ray computed tomography data and to enhance perceptivity of failures and anomalies in devices. S/he must also exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills and desire to work in an environment requiring independence as well as project leadership and teamwork. 

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Conducting non-destructive fault isolation and reverse engineering of aerospace parts: microelectronics, 3D-printed materials, and machined parts using X-ray CT machines. 
• Collecting and interpreting X-ray tomography data, and occasionally with customers 
• Providing responsive technical support to national security space programs  
• Working with contractors on the handling of delicate flight hardware 
• Developing or evaluating new tools for X-ray data and image acquisition or analysis 
• Conducting innovative basic and applied research to advance the scientific community’s knowledge in X-ray imaging 
• Presenting results internally and at scientific meetings 
• Working with XCT or analysis software vendors to improve their products 

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

Minimum Requirements:  

• PhD in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, material science, or related fields 
• 0-1 year of industry work experience   
• Deep understanding of X-ray radiography imaging techniques, and detector physics  
• Understanding of computational analysis techniques for image and tomography analysis 
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical personnel via oral and written forms  
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% 
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:  

• Candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: X-ray phase contrast imaging, spectral imaging, and laminography
• Experience with volumetric imaging software (e.g. Volume Graphics, Dragonfly), and iterative reconstruction methods is strongly desired
  • Familiarity with recent advances in X-ray microscopy 
• Capable of using machine learning methods for image analysis/anomaly identification 
• Proficient in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++  

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 - Max)

$100,000 - $120,000

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.