2026 Materials Physics and Evaluation Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll 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.

What Youll Be Doing

• 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

WhatCorporateSkillsYoull 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:

• Masters degreefrom 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. 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)

• Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas

• Strong knowledge of physics and engineering in materials and structures along with associated lab experience

• Measurement and signal processing skills using various programming languages i.e. Python C Labview etc.

• Demonstrated use of machine learning based approaches to scientific data analysis

• Experience with the Intelligence Community

• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is requiredto obtain a security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 various backgrounds and all walks of life yet one thing bonds all of us to each otherthe 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 equalopportunity employer. 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.