2026 Materials Physics and Evaluation 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 Materials Science Department within the Space Materials Laboratory is seeing a well-qualified individual for the role of Materials Physics and Evaluation Scientist. As the Member of Technical Staff – Materials Science or Senior Member of Technical Staff – Materials Science, you will participate in research on materials physics and nondestructive evaluation science of various materials and structures for launch vehicles and spacecrafts.

You will also support various space agencies to evaluate critical components using various nondestructive evaluation techniques.

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.

• Conduct research in material evaluation science for the components and structures used in launch vehicles and spacecrafts to ensure the performance integrity.
• Develop innovative nondestructive methods to evaluate space materials, components and structures with respect to various physical properties including, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, etc. These methods include but are not limited to techniques based on X-ray radiography, ultrasonic, eddy current, thermography, and dye-penetrant testing.
• Inspect space hardware and review manufacturing documents involving nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) in the field.
• Contribute directly to mission assurance of launch vehicles and spacecraft programs under the USSF and NRO or other space programs.
• Support laboratory and field testing for investigations and onsite reviews.

• 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

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university programin Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Scienceor related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Solid understanding of physics and materials science
• Hands on experience in one or more NDT&E techniques (like x-ray radiography, ultrasonic, eddy current, thermography, etc.)
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches to problem solving
• Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% or 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.

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

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited…