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IC 2025 Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate

Salary undisclosed

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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.

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 Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in 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 for space applications. We are seeking an Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate to support research, technology development, and program support related to lightweight optical materials and structures for space applications. You will directly support scientists and engineers in development and execution of experiments and in supporting the operations of associated laboratories.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Working with scientists and engineers to investigate optical-structural materials for advanced spacecraft applications in support of National Security Space (NSS) customers
  • Developing characterization, testing, and analysis methods for materials and components
  • Operating and utilizing materials processing and manufacturing equipment, characterization techniques, and optical property measurement tools to manufacture optical materials and evaluate material behavior
  • Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks
  • Resolving experiment and testing issues, anomalies, and challenges
  • Collecting, analyzing, and presenting test data
  • Maintaining equipment and capabilities, and ensure proper service and calibration
  • Participating in interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research and technical programs
  • Supporting more than one technical area of the department as needs arise, and support multiple projects concurrently


What You Need to be Successful - Optical Materials and Manufacturing Research Associate - Materials Science Research

Minimum Requirements:
  • Prior Internship with The Aerospace Corporation
  • Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited college/university programin Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
  • 0-1 year of industry work experience
  • Prior experience in the laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols
  • Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis
  • Basic fabrication skills including cutting, drilling, and tapping metals and glass or ceramics
  • Working knowledge of mechanical CAD and interfacing with machine shops for precision machining
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, less than 10% (as required).
  • This position requirestheability to obtain and maintain a securityclearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.


How You Can Stand Out [3-5 bullets recommended]

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, materials processing and manufacturing
  • Experience with machining and polishing, especially of glass or ceramics
  • Experience with data acquisition and measurement systems (such as LabVIEW and PLC programming)
  • Experience with vacuum systems and hardware


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)
$70,000.00 - $85,000.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
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