Space Photovoltaics 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) support 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) in PSL provides expert technical assistance for space solar cell and solar array technology used on a broad range of spacecrafts and leads the community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. Our advanced characterization techniques and dedication to precision and accuracy support our national security and civil and commercial space customers with reliable data to predict the performance and degradation of their solar arrays in the harsh environment of space.

As a Research Scientist/Senior Scientist within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will be focused on leading efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing data for assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology for national security space customers.

Highlights of our lab’s capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead R&D projects to reduce risk, enable technology transition, and provide technical assessments of next-generation space solar cell and array technology.
• Lead or collaborate with a team to design and perform experiments, with data analysis that directly impacts the direction of space photovoltaic technology.
• Build computational modeling tools to support research focus areas related to space solar cells and solar arrays.
• Communicate technical findings and provide consultation to colleagues, management, program offices, and government customers on topics related to space power generation technology.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers; lead project teams and serve as point of contact for technical activities across multiple programs.
• Senior Scientist, additionally: provide technical authority across cross-organizational teams, prepare technical proposals to secure R&D funding, and maintain liaison with national laboratories and technical centers as the organization’s representative at technical meetings and symposia.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Research Scientist

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related STEM field.
• 8 or more years of experience in opto-electronic materials research, device physics characterization, or modeling.
• Experience with two or more electro-optical characterization techniques (e.g., quantum efficiency, IV measurements, luminescence, or related methods).
• Proficient with common data analysis and programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Origin) for data processing and analysis.
• Experience managing projects and leading or collaborating with junior staff.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and program offices.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% of the time.
• 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Scientist include:

• 12 or more years of experience in opto-electronic materials research or related fields, preferably including systems engineering or program management experience.
• Demonstrated high level of innovation and creativity, with broad recognition among peers, management, and program offices.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following (Research Scientist or Senior Scientist):

• Experience investigating radiation and space environmental effects in materials such as semiconductors, perovskites, CIGS, and other power generation technologies.
• Developed advanced characterization techniques that elucidated a better understanding of what impacts energy generation systems.
• Worked with a team to develop open-source software implementing new methods or models to better examine and understand photovoltaic or other energy generation systems.
• Strong background in data analysis and exploitation of large datasets, including applying AI/ML techniques to extract insights from device characterization or test data.
• Experience building or applying machine learning models or automated data pipelines to accelerate research and decision-making.
• Experience preparing technical proposals or securing research funding, and/or maintaining liaison relationships with national laboratories or government agencies (Senior Scientist).

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.