IC 2027 Space Photovoltaics Engineer/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.

Internship conversion position for the Energy Technology Department (ETD), Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), at The Aerospace Corporation. ETD provides expert technical assistance for space solar cell and solar array technology used on a broad range of spacecraft, conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Apply doctoral-level expertise to design and perform experiments that directly impact the direction of space photovoltaic and solar array technology for national security space programs.
• Support the development of test and measurement capabilities to characterize and understand photovoltaic devices, applying independent judgment in the selection and adaptation of techniques.
• Contribute to data management, software analysis, and computational modeling tools in support of a variety of research focus areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays.
• Effectively communicate technical findings through presentations, reports, and publications to colleagues, management, program offices, and the broader scientific community.
• Devise new experimental approaches and engage in inter-organizational and outside customer contacts on matters of technical importance.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

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. from an accredited college or university in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months).
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation.
• 0–1 year of industry work experience
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Doctoral research in photovoltaics, optoelectronic materials, device physics, semiconductor characterization, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and conduct research, applying judgment in technique selection and adaptation.
• Experience with photovoltaics characterization techniques (e.g., quantum efficiency, IV measurements, luminescence, or related methods) through academic research.
• Proficient with common data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or Origin.
• Evidence of technical communication skills through publications, conference presentations, or dissertation work.
• Transcripts required.
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Active security clearance.
• Doctoral research focused on radiation or space environmental effects in photovoltaic materials such as Si, III-V semiconductors, perovskites, CdTe, or CIGS.
• Developed advanced characterization techniques during doctoral work that improved understanding of energy generation system performance or degradation.
• Experience developing laboratory test capabilities through hardware/software integration (LabVIEW, Python, C++, Arduino).
• Exposure to data analysis or AI/ML techniques applied to device characterization or research datasets.

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.