2026 Optical Coatings Material 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) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) within PSL conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials processing, optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials and coatings for space applications and provide technical support to national security space programs in these areas.

MPD is seeking an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist – Sr. Member of Technical Staff to conduct and lead materials synthesis and characterization, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research and program support in optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in coating materials and thin film synthesis and characterization, collaborate across disciplines, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct and lead applied research and direct program activities in optical coatings and materials in support of SMC, NRO, NASA, and civil and commercial space programs
• Provide subject matter expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to design, fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of a wide variety of optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials in support of various satellite programs
• Establish technical and scientific expertise within the scientific community and the National Security Space (NSS) customer base in these technical areas
• Proactively support NSS programs as a scientific advisor by applying the results of laboratory studies to technical issues and documenting the findings in deliverable products for the corporate knowledge base
• Collaborate as part of a team in ongoing programs by performing state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and optical materials for space applications
• Write proposals to seek internal and external research funding in these and associated areas
• Disseminate results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications 
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

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 Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. MTS – Materials Science:

• PhD degree from an accredited university in materials science, mechanical or aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related science or engineering discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in optical coatings, thin films, deposition technologies, and optical materials
• Research experience and hands-on laboratory work in design, deposition, and characterization of optical coatings and materials
• Established record of peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community in these technical areas
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects
• Ability to convey technical information via oral and written form, and ability to write proposals to seek internal and external research funding
• Willing to travel as needed (~15%) to work locations or customer sites, domestically or internationally
• 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. 
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience in industry related to optical coatings and materials for space applications
• Established technical and scientific record of expertise and experience within the NSS customer base, including for programs, missions, customers, or contractors
• Experience providing technical and scientific support in fast-paced environments with multiple customers
• Proven ability to work across disciplines and collaborate with multiple subject matter experts
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in optical measurement techniques and optical characterization methods
• Experience in modeling of optical thin films or thin film deposition processes
• High level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative
• Active TS/SCI 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)

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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.