2025 Surface 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 Surface 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 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) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in materials and surface science with applications in optical thin films, space environmental effects, tribology, and contamination. MPD hosts interdisciplinary teams working across materials science, physics, chemistry, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test materials for space applications.
We are seeking a Surface Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Chemistry or Senior Member of Technical Staff - Materials Science) to conduct research, technology development, and support program activities by applying surface science techniques to current challenges for spacecraft. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in a primary area that best matches their skillset, while also contributing to the interdisciplinary and collaborative teams within MPD.
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

• Perform fundamental and applied studies of spacecraft materials, with a focus on the impact of interfacial phenomena to real and modeled systems for applications to tribology, contamination, and/or thin films applications
• Develop and apply subject matter expertise in surface characterization to spacecraft and launch vehicle systems
• Develop an understanding of National Security Space (NSS) program needs and develop scientific capabilities to address those needs
• Collaborate with a variety of technical experts across the laboratories on a wide variety of interdisciplinary projects, including (but not limited to) in the areas of physics, chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, optics, thermal transport, and propulsion
• Conduct research and applied studies, both individually and in collaborative teams
• Support with technical insights arising from the results of laboratory research
• Present results in reports, journal articles, and verbally for NSS customers, contractors, and the scientific community

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 needs
• 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, materials science, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Laboratory experience related to the characterization of materials and surfaces
• Experience with surface and materials characterization techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and/or atomic force microscopy
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects
• Experience using and developing laboratory test equipment to solve problems with materials
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the time for program support
• 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:

• Experience in surface science, optical thin films, tribology, and/or contamination
• Hands-on experience utilizing surface characterization tools to solve challenges with spacecraft materials.
• Experience with laboratory high vacuum systems
• Experience building and improving laboratory test stands using labview, python, or other control software
• 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.