2025 RF Device 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.
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.
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) 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 position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.
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:

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• 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 a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, 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:

• Active security clearance
• 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
• Record of publication/reporting in peer-reviewed journals, academic and professional conferences, customer reviews, or government reports

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)
$110,000 - $130,000
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.