2025 Composites Materials 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 Corporation is hiring a Composites Materials Scientist for an opportunity located in El Segundo, CA.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

As the Composites Materials Scientist, you will conduct and lead R&D, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research in polymers/composites. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in materials processing, testing, and characterizations for structural composite materials for space applications, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.

Work Model 

This full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

  

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in depth structural materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on composite materials and bonding issues 

• Developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for composite materials, including lay-up, curing and consolidation techniques 

• Assessing technology gaps and provide direction for process development 

• Supporting onsite reviews in order to assesses risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances 

• Writing proposals, for both internal and external funding sources 

• Directing research on the development of novel composite material applications as well as science based investigations pushing forward materials and processing technologies for space applications 

• Manufacturing demonstration articles, and generate intellectual property 

• Presenting and publishing technical findings as a subject matter expert for impacted hardware to govt., contractor and customer teams along with proposed processing recommendations and resolution pathways for remediation 

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Must work well in a team environment 

• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:  

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 

• 0-1 year of industry work experience

• Some experience in composites and processing of structures, as well as the use of chemical, thermal and mechanical property test evaluation tools 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (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.

• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out   

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

• Exhibit high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative

• Hands on experience with using an autoclave, Instron and thermal analysis equipment

• Hands on experience with characterization of structure-property relationship of high-performance CFRP composite materials and effect of processing conditions on resulting thermal and mechanical properties

• Records on publishing technical papers and delivering conference presentations

• Technical subject matter expertise in the following research topic areas include, but are not limited to: ceramics/metals, polymers/composites, and non-destructive evaluation 

• A current and active 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)

$100,000 - $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.