2025 Battery Research 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.

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.

As a Battery Research Scientist (MTS/Senior MTS) within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will be assisting in the development of new tools and capabilities for evaluation, assessment, and acquisition of current and next generation batteries and energy storage technology for national security space customers.  Higher power and battery capabilities enable new and sustained missions and are a key technology utilized in satellites and launch vehicles.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA,

What You’ll Be Doing  

• You will develop, plan and conduct R&D project to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition of energy storage and batteries in space vehicle and launch vehicle applications 
• You will develop new techniques, tools, prototypes, and approaches to test, analyze, model and integrate battery and energy storage technology
• You will perform testing and evaluation of batteries/energy storage technology to aid in performance predictions, technology planning and roadmap development
• You will coordinate with colleagues, customers, and other technical discipline experts to design and perform experiments, and analyze data to directly impact the direction of energy storage in space vehicle and launch vehicle applications 
• You will prepare detailed reports and brief technical findings and recommendations to department colleagues, program offices, government, Aerospace management, and the wider DoD and space community.
• This job is critical to the success of future National Security Space battery and energy storage development and acquisition
• This position will require strategic thought, innovation, and good people interactions to plan, develop, and coordinate in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment to deliver innovative solutions for our customers related to space energy storage technology

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: 

• M.S. degree from an accredited college/university program in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  
• Experience using laboratory instruments, analytical instruments, software, data acquisition systems, and data analysis tools
• Able to identify technical support requirements and work effectively within matrix organization to obtain required support
• Willing to travel approx. 10-20% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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: 

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) A strong technical background and experience in batteries and energy storage technology
• Experience with battery/energy storage research, test, integration, and/or manufacturing
• Experience with lithium-ion battery electrochemistry, performance, testing, data analysis and physical evaluation of battery materials
• Experience with data analysis programming, in Python, MATLAB, Origin, or similar program
• Able to identify technical support needs and work effectively and collaboratively within matrix organization to obtain required support    

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)

$86,000 - $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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.