Battery 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts applied research in energy technology in support of space power systems, developing new tools and capabilities for characterization, evaluation, and assessment in support of acquisition of current and next generation energy storage and energy generation technology for national security space customers. As a Battery Research Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Chemistry or Research Scientist - Chemistry) within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will lead efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft applications. You will direct R&D projects, provide technical expertise and assessments, and guide the development of next generation spacecraft energy storage technologies for national security space customers.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will develop and lead R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop new techniques and approaches to analyze and model energy storage technology, develop future spacecraft battery and energy storage roadmaps, and provide technical assessments of issues and risk associated with development, test and fielding of current and next generation battery and energy storage technologies, for spacecraft and launch vehicle applications
• You will conduct failure analysis and anomaly investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions for battery and energy storage systems
• You will coordinate with colleagues, customers, and other technical discipline experts to design and perform experiments and analyze data to directly impact the direction of energy storage in space vehicle and launch vehicle applications
• You will maintain networks with other program offices, engineering experts, and organizations across the national security space community, including defense contractors and battery manufacturers
• You will prepare detailed reports, technical publications, and brief findings and recommendations to department colleagues, program offices, government, and Aerospace management
• This job is critical to the success of future National Security Space battery and energy storage development and acquisition
• This position will require strategic thought, innovation, and good people interactions to plan, develop, coordinate, and deliver innovative solutions for our customers related to space energy storage technology

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff - Chemistry:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
• 5 years of increasingly responsible experience with battery/energy storage research, manufacturing, test, and integration or related technical expertise
• Strong foundation in electrochemistry principles, materials science, and/or energy storage systems
• Hands-on experience with battery testing protocols, characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, EIS, cyclic voltammetry), or data interpretation
• Able to identify technical support requirements and work effectively within matrix organization to obtain required support
• Willing to travel approx. 10-20% (as required)
• 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Research Scientist – Chemistry include:

• 8 years of increasingly responsible experience with battery/energy storage research, manufacturing, test, and integration or related technical expertise

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master's or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Experience working in government customer-facing organizations
• A strong technical background and experience in batteries and energy storage technology, requirements development, design or development for one or more National Security Space systems, including sub-system AI&T, anomaly investigation, and on-orbit operation
• Experience with modeling and simulation of battery performance, degradation mechanisms, or materials behavior (e.g., electrochemical modeling, thermal modeling, physics-based models)
• Expertise in battery failure analysis and anomaly resolution
• Technical leadership experience as a principal investigator, technical lead, or program lead
• Strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

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)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00

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.