The Aerospace Corporation

RF Device Research Scientist

El Segundo, CA, United States

$100-176k

Full Time

an hour ago

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Job description

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.

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 Electronics and Photonics LAboratory (EPL) focuses on areas of electronics and photonics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment. Within EPL, the Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) focuses on reliability and failure analysis of microelectronic or semiconductor systems and devices. MTD is looking for an RF Device Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Research Scientist - Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering) to support investigations of electronics reliability and physics of failure of advanced RF systems that use silicon, SiGe, SOI, III-V, II-VI, and other technologies for space applications.

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

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

Provide technical support to national security space programs, internal and academic collaborators
Conduct innovative applied research in microelectronic device technologies and applications to space systems, including reliability and RF system performance evaluation
Support the adoption and assessment of new technologies and applications, space systems, including reliability

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for RF Device Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff- Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences, or related discipline is required
A minimum of (5) years of post-bachelor’s degree work experience is required
Experience with engineering or scientific project execution
Experience with microelectronic, semiconductor, or RF devices or systems
Willingness to travel domestically/internationally and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 15% (as required) 
This position requires 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for RF Device Research Scientist- Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering

A minimum of (8) years of post-bachelor’s degree work experience is required
Record of publication/reporting in peer-reviewed journals, academic and professional conferences, customer reviews, or government reports
Experience leading, managing, or coordinating teams of engineers and scientists in technical projects

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences, or related discipline is strongly desired
Extensive experience with RF testing, design or engineering, including microwave devices or systems, MMICs, microelectronic devices, network analysis, amplifier biasing, impedance matching, load tuning, etc.
Background working with space system programs is desired
Experience with advanced test structure and circuit design using CAD tools such as Cadence, Silvaco, Tanner Tools, or Microwave Office
Semiconductor fabrication or cleanroom experience
Experience with FPGA/microprocessor programming
Strong knowledge working with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB or similar software for data analysis and collection  is preferred

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 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.