Materials Scientist (Polymers/Composites)

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.

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 Materials Science Department within the Space Materials Laboratory is seeking a well-qualified, experienced individual with a strong foundation in polymers and composites, which focuses on composites design, layup, assembly, inspection, characterization, and mechanical testing. As a Senior Member of Technical Staff or Research Scientist- Materials Science, you will work on research and provide customer programs support. You will need to have in-depth knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships, understanding of most analytical techniques for polymer characterization, and hands-on mechanical testing experience of continuous fiber polymer matrix composites and prepreg systems are required.  The candidate should also have advanced and hands-on experience with processing methods such as out-of-autoclave and autoclave ovens used for curing pre-preg materials methodologies.

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 

• Being the technical lead in structure-property-performance of resins.  Leads failure investigations that will require an advanced level proficiency of mechanical testing of continuous fiber composite materials. 

• Directly contribute to impactful research that that impacts active launch and space vehicle programs 

• Understand the materials principles beyond stress and strain to include time and chemistry dependent phenomena such as fatigue, creep, relaxation, thermal/moisture expansion and aging of polymer and adhesives. 

• Operates strategically to provide 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 Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and external company teaming. Delivers results, lead communications, and engages with impact with personnel within PSL and between organizations within ETG 

• Ability to work independently and to seek independent funding/collaboration opportunities.  

• 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 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff – Materials Science

• PhD degree in a STEM field is required

• A minimum of 5 years of applicable professional industry experience is required

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

• Experience with design and execution of polymers and composites mechanical testing 

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

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

• Serves as effective liaison between government, Aerospace, and contractor personnel to develop and assess design and analysis criteria for mission related hardware

• 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. 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Research Scientist – Materials Science include: 

• A minimum of 8 years of applicable professional industry experience is required

• Supervised polymer synthesis for high temperature composites or composite fabrication 

• Led teams to design and execute of polymers and composites mechanical testing 

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

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

• Experienced managing technical projects and cross-organizational teams 

• Superior project management and team leadership skills and experience 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• 12+ years of experience in applicable professional industry experience composites fabrication is preferred

• Supervised polymer synthesis for high temperature composites 

• Led investigations involving polymer characterization and composite trade studies, technology insertion, requirements definition to support launch vehicle programs 

• Lead change, serve as a role model, and mentor early career staff and be a true force multiplier 

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

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)

$100,300 - $175,900

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.