2025 Microelectronic Devices and Materials Microscopy Scientist

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.
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.
The Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) conducts basic and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications and provides technical support to National Security Space (NSS) programs. The MTD is looking for a Microelectronic Devices and Materials Microscopy Scientist (Associate MTS-Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering or MTS/Sr. MTS-Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering) to support investigations of microelectronics reliability and failure by advanced characterization, simulation, and analysis. This work requires knowledge of fabrication, operation, wear-our mechanisms, and failure modes across a broad range of electronic and optoelectronic devices. He/she will establish and direct both long-term research projects and short-term problem-solving supporting customer needs.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.
What Corporate Skills You'll 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'll Be Doing

• Provide technical support to national security space programs in the areas of electronic and optoelectronic device failure analysis
• Operate various microelectronics deprocessing tools: sectioning saw, grinding & polishing wheel, mechanical mill for sample preparation for electron microscopy
• Operate a scanning transmission electron microscope to analyze various microelectronic and photonic samples to provide root cause analysis on failed devices.
• Perform transmission electron microscopy and its related analytical techniques on these devices

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, material science, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline (pursing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Understanding of the operating physics of the microelectronic/photonic devices
• Experience with using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), or transmission electron microscope (TEM)
• Experience with one or more materials characterization techniques such as Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Cathodoluminescence (CL), or Electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD)
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically approx. 10%
• 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:

• Masters or PhD degree from an accredited program in electrical engineering, material science, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline (pursing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Active security clearance
• In-depth knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
• Experience with advanced TEM techniques such as: Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), 4D-STEM, Precession Electron Diffraction, TEM Tomography
• Experience with microelectronics fabrication in the cleanroom using techniques such as: contact mask photolithography, maskless photolithography, e-beam lithography, e-beam evaporation, reactive ion etching, wet chemistry, design tape out using a foundry service, Cadence Design
• Proven ability to perform research, publish peer-reviewed journal articles, and write funding proposals
• Knowledge of surface science, electronics defects, and electronic transport measurements in semiconductor devices

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 - $130,000
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 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 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, 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.