Optical Coatings Material Scientist

Position: 2026 Optical Coatings Material 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 Processing Department (MPD) in the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) within PSL conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials processing, optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials and coatings for space applications and provide technical support to national security space programs in these areas.

MPD is seeking an Optical Coatings Materials Scientist - Sr. Member of Technical Staff to conduct and lead materials synthesis and characterization, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research and program support in optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials for space applications. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in coating materials and thin film synthesis and characterization, collaborate across disciplines, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.

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

What You'll Be Doing

* Conduct and lead applied research and direct program activities in optical coatings and materials in support of SMC, NRO, NASA, and civil and commercial space programs

* Provide subject matter expertise in structure-property-processing relationships related to design, fabrication, testing, modeling, characterization, and analysis of a wide variety of optical coatings, thin films, and optical materials in support of various satellite programs

* Establish technical and scientific expertise within the scientific community and the National Security Space (NSS) customer base in these technical areas

* Proactively support NSS programs as a scientific advisor by applying the results of laboratory studies to technical issues and documenting the findings in deliverable products for the corporate knowledge base

* Collaborate as part of a team in ongoing programs by performing state-of-the-art investigations on optical coatings and optical materials for space applications

* Write proposals to seek internal and external research funding in these and associated areas

* Disseminate results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications

* Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

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 for the Sr. MTS - Materials…