2025 Optical 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 an Optical 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.

 

The Materials Processing Department (MPD) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) in PSL provides expertise in advanced materials processing, optical materials and coatings, 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, manufacture, and test optical materials and coatings for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas.

We are looking for an Optical Materials Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Materials Science) to conduct and lead applied research and technology development, materials synthesis and characterization, and failure analysis and anomaly resolution in optical materials for space applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in optical materials, collaborate across disciplines, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.

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

Work Model 

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

 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct and lead applied research in optical materials in support of SMC, NRO, NASA, and civil and commercial space programs.
• Provide subject matter expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of optical materials.
• Collaborate as part of a team in ongoing research programs by performing state-of-the-art, cross-disciplinary investigations on optical materials for space applications.
• Develop innovative methods for evaluating optical, thermal, and mechanical performance of materials.
• Proactively support National Security Space (NSS) programs as a scientific advisor through the application of laboratory research and the resulting knowledge product. Document results to serve as deliverable products for customers and to the corporate knowledge base.
• Establish technical and scientific expertise within the scientific community and among NSS customers in these technical areas. Disseminate results to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications.
• Write proposals to seek internal and external research funding in these and associated areas.

 

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 materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics or a related science or engineering discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Hands-on laboratory and research experience in design, manufacture, and characterization of optical materials, glass or ceramics, or optical coatings.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites domestically or internationally up to 10%.
• 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. 
• Transcripts required

 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience in optical materials for space applications.
• Experience providing technical and scientific support in fast-paced environments with multiple customers.
• Hands-on experience with lightweight optical materials for space applications, including linking optical and structural performance.
• Laboratory experience with mechanical testing of brittle materials.
• High level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. 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.