Space 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.
Job Summary
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 Space Sciences Department (SSD) research plays a critical role in space science R&D in collaboration with academia, industry, and government customers. The Space Scientist (Research/ Senior Scientist - Physics) will serve as the visionary leader to bring unique scientific expertise and skills to our department's portfolio. This position involves solving hard problems related to any environmental impact on space or ground systems ranging from upper atmospheric dynamics, to ionospheric effects, to magnetospheric particles and fields, to solar and solar particle environments. You will work across Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) disciplines and via external collaborators to build the next generation of knowledge and tools benefitting space system design and operations to meet future demand and technology needs.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA and will require 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing
The space environment can have a myriad of impacts on both can be a harsh environment for satellites, sensors, and systems. Understanding that environment is critical for mission success - apply your scientific expertise to investigate the dynamics and extremes of environments affecting space system missions.

• Support a wide variety of critical space programs through the application of the results of space science research to improve the design and/or operations of space systems.
• Engage with space system operations communities to document and understand the role of the space environments in operations, develop data- or model-based methods to improve operations, encode into software tools, and contribute to operational users to benefit the broader space enterprise.
• Conduct scientific research in the space sciences through data analysis and modeling to further our understanding of the environmental role on space system operations and disseminate results through customer briefings and reports, conferences and workshops, and peer-reviewed publications.
• You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
• Utilizing communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex technical issues

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Space Scientist (Research Scientist - Physics)include:

• PhD in space science, physics, engineering, or closely related field is required
• A minimum of (8) years of applicable professional experience (post-bachelors) participating in the science field of your expertise is required
• Working knowledge in conducting applied science research with focus on modeling, experimental techniques, and data exploitation
• Experience working with a multifaceted team including hardware, software engineers, program offices and funding agencies
• Established record of peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at technical conferences and workshops is required
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically and/or internationally to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires the 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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Space Scientist (Senior Scientist - Physics) include:

• A minimum of (12) years of applicable professional experience (post-bachelors) participating in the science field of your expertise is required
• You should have strong people skills which includes: motivating and mentoring employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience in building multi-organization projects and collaborations and working with contractors and stakeholders
• The development of an externally-funded research program in your science field of your expertise
• Familiarity with impacts to space systems due to the changing space environment
• A current TS/SSBI (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)
$117,300 - $226,900
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.