IC 2027 Materials Physicist - Non-Destructive Evaluation; NDE

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.

• Serve as technical advisor to USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs, ensuring mission assurance through expert review of inspection data, manufacturing documentation, and technical assessments that inform critical program decisions.
• Partner with program offices and technical teams to present inspection findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to support mission success and structural integrity verification.
• Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, including methods based on radiography, ultrasonics, eddy current, thermography, and other inspection modalities.
• Conduct applied research in materials characterization and NDI science to solve emerging inspection challenges and enable next-generation aerospace systems.
• Perform hands‑on inspection of flight hardware and conduct field evaluations at manufacturing and launch sites.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure structural integrity and mission success.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

• 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

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Strong foundation in aerospace materials science, structural mechanics, and the physical principles underlying non‑destructive inspection techniques
• Demonstrated proficiency in performing and interpreting results from one or more NDI techniques, including but not limited to: radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), infrared thermography (IRT), and/or visual inspection methods
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches to problem solving
• Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours to support program needs (approximately 20% travel 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.

• Active security clearance
• Experience developing and qualifying non‑destructive inspection (NDI) methodologies for composite, metallic, or advanced material systems, including technique validation, procedure documentation, and performance verification
• Measurement and signal…