Space Photovoltaics Test & Measurement Specialist

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 spacecraft and leads the community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. Our capabilities for advanced characterization techniques and dedication to precision and accuracy support our national security, 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 Space Photovoltaics Test & Measurement Specialist (Technical Specialist – Test & Measurement III or Technical Specialist – Test & Measurement IV), you will provide precision measurement, calibration, and instrumentation support for the characterization of space solar cells and array components. You will work alongside scientists and engineers to set up, operate, and maintain laboratory measurement systems, develop test procedures and data acquisition tools, and ensure the quality and traceability of experimental data used to support national security space programs.

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

You will support precision measurement and calibration activities for space photovoltaic characterization:

• Set up, calibrate, maintain, operate, repair, and inspect a wide variety of precision measurement equipment used in solar cell and solar array characterization.

• Conduct precision measurements, tests, and inspections on solar cell devices, materials, and assemblies to determine conformance to specifications.

• Validate measurement and experimental results and prepare clear, accurate data reports.

• Execute test and measurement tasks independently within provided parameters, including optical, electrical, and environmental measurements relevant to photovoltaic devices.

• Write and maintain test procedures and equipment operational procedures to support existing and new lab tests.

• Develop and maintain data collection software and single-instrument control tools to support laboratory measurements.

• Support laboratory maintenance, inventory, and property and metrology audits.

• Test & Measurement IV, additionally: develop complex laboratory control and multi-instrument data collection software, develop laboratory practices and procedures, mentor less experienced staff in laboratory measurement operations, and lead calibration technique development for new or one-of-a-kind equipment.

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 — Technical Specialist, Test & Measurement III:

• High School Diploma or equivalent minimum of 4 years in a vocational trade school or apprenticeship program

• Vocational trade school, Apprenticeship program or equivalent 7-10 years industry experience
• Experience setting up, operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory measurement equipment used in electrical, optical, or environmental characterization of electronic devices or materials.

• Familiarity with test instruments relevant to solar cell or photovoltaic characterization, such as source meters, lock-in amplifiers, optical sources, or spectroradiometers.

• Experience conducting precision measurements on devices, materials, or assemblies and validating results against specifications.

• Experience writing or following test procedures and equipment operational procedures.

• Developing skills in experimental setup, data collection, and documentation in a laboratory environment.

• Experience working with laboratory safety protocols.

• Ability to work independently, self-initiate activities, and work within timelines.

• Ability to function effectively within a team environment.

• Willing to travel occasionally (approximately 10%, as required) to customer and contractor sites or professional conferences.

• 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 Technical Specialist, Test & Measurement IV include:

• Vocational trade school, Apprenticeship program or equivalent 10-12 years industry experience

• Advanced knowledge of instrument control, data collection techniques, and data management for multi-instrument laboratory systems.

• Demonstrated experience developing data collection or instrument control software to support laboratory measurement workflows.

• Experience developing calibration techniques for new or one-of-a-kind measurement equipment.

• Advanced skill in experimental setup and documentation, including developing laboratory practices and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision and mentor less experienced staff in laboratory measurement operations.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Hands-on experience with photovoltaic characterization techniques relevant to space solar cells, such as quantum efficiency, IV measurements, or electroluminescence.

• Familiarity with radiation or space environmental effects on photovoltaic materials or devices.

• Experience developing or improving laboratory test capabilities through hardware/software integration (LabVIEW, Python, Arduino, C++).

• Experience with common databases or data management tools (e.g., MongoDB, InfluxDB, PostgreSQL) for storing and retrieving experimental data.

• Exposure to data analysis techniques or scripting tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for processing and visualizing experimental results.

• Experience supporting space program hardware testing, inspection, or verification activities.

• Experience mentoring or guiding less experienced lab staff.

Physical Requirements/Work Environments: 

• Ability to work at altitudes greater than 10,000 feet 
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments 
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in a lab environment 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may visit locations with varying temperatures and floor surfaces, and may be exposed to seasonal elements 
• Laboratory environment with possible exposure to hazardous materials 
• Certain laboratories may operate at a high noise level 

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)

$30.88 - $50.88

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.