2025 Optical Thin Films Research Associate

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 Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, deposit, and test optical materials for space applications. We are seeking an Optical Thin Films Research Associate – Materials Science Research to support research, technology development, and program activities related to optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The successful candidate will directly support scientists and engineers in development and execution of experiments and in the operation of associated laboratories. 

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing scientific and laboratory support to programs investigating optical materials for advanced spacecraft applications in support of National Security Space (NSS), NASA, and civil and commercial customers.

• Operating and utilizing materials processing and thin film deposition equipment, characterization techniques, and optical property measurement tools to deposit optical materials and evaluate their behavior.

• Working closely with technical staff and scientists to develop, design, build, and modify characterization, testing, and analysis methods and tools for optical materials.

• Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks. Resolve experiment, testing, and hardware issues, anomalies, and challenges. Collect, analyze, and present test data.

• Maintaining specialized equipment and capabilities, and ensure proper calibration.

• Participating in interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research and technical programs. Provide creative solutions to diverse technical problems.

• Supporting more than one technical area of the department as needs arise, and support multiple projects concurrently.

What You Need to be Successful - Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate – Materials Science Research

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline 

• 0-1 year of industry work experience   

• Prior experience in the laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols

• Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis

• This position requires the 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 from an accredited college/university program in Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience with thin films and coatings, optical modeling of thin films, or characterization of optical properties.

• Hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, or materials processing, including thin film deposition (such as IAD or IBD techniques).

• Experience with one or more of the following: high-vacuum systems and hardware, lasers and optical systems, automation, data acquisition and measurement systems (such as LabVIEW and PLC programming), mechanical design (such as Solidworks) and machining.

• Current SCI 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)

$70,000 - $85,000

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.