Radiation Effects Research Scientist / Senior 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.

Attention : Applying to this Expression of Interest opportunity introduces you to Aerospace's job opportunities and promotes you to recruiters and managers may be interested in hiring candidates with various desired skillsets in the future.

Job Summary

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 Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) is part of PSL with specialized laboratories for test ing , accelerat ing , and analyz ing , failures in electronics used for space system. MTD is comprised of two sections : one that performs radiation effects testing and discrete microelectronics testing, while the other section performs failure analysis on microelectronics using tools that can identify anomalies from the macroscopic down to the atomic scale. MTD is looking for a Radiation Effects Scientist (Research Scientist / Senior Scientist -Microelectronics / Semiconductor Engineering ) to support the investigation of radiation effects, reliability- and radiation-hardness-by-design, and physics of failure of advanced CMOS, SiGe, SOI, III-V ( GaN , GaAs) , II-VI , and other advanced technology for space applications.

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

Work Model

This position will be based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide technical support to national security space programs, internal , and academic collaborators

Conduct innovative basic and applied research o n microelectronic device technologies and applications to space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness.

Present results of assessments / research internally, to customers, at scientific meetings, and publish research in refereed scientific journals.

Support the adoption and assessment of new technologies and applications, space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness.

Perform radiation testing on microelectronic and optoelectronic components using gamma-rays, x-rays, neutrons, energetic protons, and energetic heavy ions.

Innovation, velocity, and accountability will primarily be used to assess job performance

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Radiation Effects Research Scientist- Microelectronics / Semiconductor Engineering :

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline is required

A minimum of (8) years of post-bachelor’s degree work experience is required

Knowledge of microelectronic and / or optoelectronic device physics

Experience in testing semiconductor devices

Knowledge of radiation environments and the effects of TID and SEE in microelectronics

Experience with Python / LabVIEW / MATLAB or similar software for data analysis and collection

Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the year to customer site / radiation test facility / conferences

This position requires a current and active TS / SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements fo r the Radiation Effects Senior Scientist -Microelectronics / Semiconductor Engineering :

A minimum of (12) years of post- bachelor’s degree work experience is required

Experience working directly with government space programs – NASA, DoD, etc.

How You Can Stand Out

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

PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physic s , or related discipline is preferred

15 years of experience radiation effects testing and analysis is strongly preferred

Record of publication / reporting in peer-reviewed journals, academic and professional conferences, customer reviews, or government reports

Experience with radiation hardness-by-design and reliability-by-design test chip development

Experience with modeling / simulation of radiation effects or radiation transport using TCAD tools, MCNP, SRIM, GEANT4, or CRÈME96

Experience reviewing test plans, test reports, or other technical deliverables for U.S. government programs

Experience writing and submitting proposals for internal or external project funding (grants, IRADs, etc.)

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 - $226,900

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 .