2025 Manufacturing and Characterization 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.
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 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 Manufacturing and Characterization Research Associate (Research Associate lll - Materials Science Research), you will operating equipment for the processing and characterization of various materials, including metals, polymers, and composites. Materials processing includes additive manufacturing, composite layups, and various post-processing heat treatments. Characterization will be utilized to better understand the structure and properties of these materials. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on role in failure analysis and applied research of these materials and will participate with an interdisciplinary team as part of ongoing projects.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.
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'll Be Doing

• Operation and upkeep of materials processing equipment including additive manufacturing machines (both metallic and polymeric), autoclaves, and furnaces/ovens
• Test mechanical properties of various structural material, such as composites, polymers, metals, and ceramics to characterize strength, stiffness and other related properties
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed. Monitor and maintain test facilities and equipment.
• Apply engineering standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience or coursework in manufacturing, characterization of testing of composites, metallic structures, and AM processed hardware
• Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software
• Ability to troubleshoot of test equipment anomalies
• This position requires the ability to obtain a SSBI, 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:

• Masters degree from an accredited program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience with mechanical testing including the use of transducers (force, pressure, strain, displacement, etc.)
• Hands on experience with polymeric and/or metallic additive manufacturing equipment
• Solid understanding of software and programming fundamentals such as LabVIEW for data acquisition.
• Familiarity with electronic circuit design/analysis for data acquisition and troubleshooting of test equipment

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)
$86,700 - $117,300
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.