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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.
The Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) within PSL conducts reliability studies, anomaly resolution, failure analysis, and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. MTD is seeking a new
Manager- Electronic Materials and Device section, which focuses on failure analysis and materials and device characterization. The section’s research and customer program support activities are well-established and supported by highly trained and accomplished staff. The successful candidate will provide direction and coordination for activities of approximately (10) section members.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:
Department Virtual Tour link
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and implement R&D and program support strategies.
- Provide guidance and justification for overhead and capital spending.
- Communicate corporate policies to staff and implement them.
- Provide strategic and administrative guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities.
- Establish interfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments to staff and monitor and assist in project progress.
- Recommend hiring needs and interview candidates.
- Oversee staff career development, transfers, and terminations. Conduct performance reviews and promotional actions.
- Prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues and the broader scientific community.
- Contribute to MTD technical projects by hands-on FIB, TEM, or XCT work or electrical fault isolation techniques.
What You Need To Be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
- Eight years of applicable professional or educational experience in microelectronics
- Knowledge of advanced microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, materials and materials analysis
- Knowledge of and experience with device reliability, failure analysis, and destructive physical analysis
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff
- Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, typically every-other month
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- PhD in a STEM field or equivalent is strongly preferred
- Twelve or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is highly desirable
- Experience in project or program leadership would be greatly beneficial
- Candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: microelectronic processing, CMOS reliability and failure modes, semiconductor device physics, laser technology, photonics
- Experience in Program support on issues regarding current or emerging space technologies is strongly desired.
- A current and active TS/ SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
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 - Mid - Max)
$105,000 - $140,000 - $185,000
Pay Basis: Annual
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.