Materials Radiographer – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)

The Aerospace Corporation

Job Location:

El Segundo, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 117300 - 226900

Posted on: 16 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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.

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. PSLs impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSLs 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 Materials Science Department within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) isseekinga highly experienced radiography specialist for the role of Materials Radiographer Non-Destructive Evaluation(NDE) (Research Scientist /Senior Scientist Materials Science).In this role you will perform and oversee industrial radiographic inspections of critical aerospace hardware applying advanced imaging techniques to characterize structural materials and detect defects in launch vehicle and spacecraft components. You will define inspection approaches lead field evaluations and develop innovative data analysis methodologies to address complex inspection challenges. This position requires technical leadership in supporting mission assurance for USSF NRO and commercial space programs.

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

What Youll Be Doing

Perform and oversee industrial radiographic inspections of mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components applying advanced X-ray imaging techniques to characterize materials and detect defects
Developvalidate andoptimizeradiographic inspection methodologies for aerospace materials including composites metals and bonded structures
Lead field inspections at manufacturing facilities and launch sites providing expert technical guidance and real-time assessment of flight hardware
Develop data analysis methodologies for complex radiographic datasets provide objective interpretation of findings and collaborate with engineering teams on risk assessment and disposition recommendations for USSF NRO and commercial space programs
Conduct expert review of radiographic inspection data manufacturing acceptance documentation and supplier NDI reports to verify compliance with specifications and ensure hardware quality
Conduct applied research in X-ray science and radiographic techniques to solve emerging inspection challenges and advance materials characterization capabilities
Support failure investigations root cause analysis and technical reviews through expert radiographic evaluation and documentation

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum requirements for the Research Scientist Materials Science include:

Mastersdegree in Aerospace Engineering Materials ScienceElectrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physicsor related disciplineis required
A minimum of (8)yearsof professional industry experience is required
Expert-level knowledge of X-ray science radiographic imaging physics and industrial radiography techniques including film digital radiography andotherX-ray based characterization methods
Demonstrated mastery in performing and interpreting radiographic inspections of aerospace materials including composites metals adhesive bonds and complex assemblies
Strong foundationin aerospace materials behavior structural mechanics and defect characterization to inform inspection strategy and data interpretation
Proventrack recordof developing novel inspection approaches and resolving ambiguous or challenging radiographic findings
Comprehensive knowledge of radiation safety protocols regulations and best practices for industrial radiography operations
Willingness to travel occasionally and work off-business hours to support customer needs (approximately 20% travel or asrequired)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above the minimum requirements for the Senior Scientist Materials Science include:

A minimum of (12) or more years of professional industry experience is required
Recognized subject matter expert in industrial radiography with history of providing technical consultation to engineering teams and program leadership
Extensive field inspection experienceincludingwork at manufacturing facilities integration sites and launch complexes with ability to work independently in dynamic environments
Track recordof training and mentoring junior radiographers and technical staff in X-ray techniques image interpretation and best practices
Demonstrated success interfacing directly with government customers and certification authorities on technical radiographic matters

How You Can Stand Out

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

Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering Materials ScienceElectrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physicsor related disciplineis preferred
(20) or more years of professional industry experience is preferred
Current IRRSP (Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel) certification or equivalent radiation safety qualification
ASNT Level III certification in Radiographic Testing (RT) or active pursuit of Level III qualification
Advanced image analysis and processing skills using Python MATLAB ImageJ or specialized radiographic software
Experience with computed tomography (CT) imaging 3D reconstruction or advanced digital radiography techniques
Demonstrated application of machine learning or AI-based approaches to radiographic image analysis and defect detection
In-depth knowledge of aerospace NDI standards and specifications (ASTM E1742 E2033 MIL-STD-453 NADCAP requirements etc.)
Peer-reviewed publications conference presentations or technical papers in radiography X-ray science or materials characterization
Experience supporting Intelligence Community programs or national security space missions
A current and active Secret or 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)

$117300.00 - $226900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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 review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.