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.

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 / Research Scientist—Chemistry) 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.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, California.

• Perform fundamental and applied studies of spacecraft materials, focusing on the impact of interfacial phenomena on tribology, contamination, and thin films applications.
• Develop and apply subject‑matter expertise in surface characterization of spacecraft and launch vehicle systems.
• Develop an understanding of National Security Space (NSS) capabilities to address those needs.
• Collaborate with a variety of technical experts across the laboratories on interdisciplinary projects in 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 laboratory research results.
• Present results in reports, journal articles, and verbally for NSS customers, contractors, and the scientific community.

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline is required.
• Minimum of 5 or more years of increasingly responsible and relevant professional experience in Surface Science (Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline).
• Experience with surface and materials characterization techniques, via X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Laboratory and research experience related to the characterization of materials and surfaces.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple ongoing projects.
• Experience using and developing laboratory test equipment to solve problems with materials.
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed publications in the scientific community.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the time for program support.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Minimum of 8 or more years of…