Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites Materials 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.
Job Summary
The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a multifaceted scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL's impact is grown through a 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 Materials Science Department (MSD) provides materials specific expertise to our customers and conducts unique research across materials science and materials process operations. Our unique capabilities include processing, characterization, and testing of these families of materials, and we use these to provide in-depth experimental data to better inform our customers and solve the hardest problems facing the space domain.
As the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites Materials Scientist (Research Scientist/ Senior Scientist - Materials Scientist), you will conduct and lead R&D, failure analysis and anomaly resolution, and applied research in polymers/CFRP composites. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise in materials processing, testing, and characterizations for structural composite materials for space applications, and is expected to contribute meaningfully and directly to research and program support activities in these areas.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in-depth structural composite materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on carbon fiber reinforced composite materials and bonding issues
• Developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for composite materials, including lay-up, curing and consolidation techniques
• Assessing technology gaps and provide direction for process development
• Supporting onsite reviews in order to assesses risk based on manufacturing and material non-conformances
• Writing proposals, for both internal and external funding sources
• Directing research on the development of novel composite material applications as well as leading science-based investigations pushing these technologies for space applications
• Manufacturing demonstration articles, and generate intellectual property
• Presenting and publishing technical findings as a subject matter expert for impacted hardware to govt., contractor and customer teams along with proposed processing recommendations and resolution pathways for remediation

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Research Scientist- Materials Scientist:

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline is required
• A minimum of (8) years of industry experience in Materials Science is required
• Technical experience in carbon fiber composites and well versed in the processing of structures, as well as the use of chemical, thermal and mechanical property test evaluation tools
• Hands on experience with using an autoclave, Instron and thermal analysis equipment
• Experienced managing technical projects and cross-organizational teams
• Record of publication/reporting in peer-reviewed journals, academic and professional conferences, customer reviews, or government reports
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires the 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 (8) years of industry experience in Materials Science is required
• Proven track record of obtaining grants and contracts
• Experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams on root cause investigations for space programs
• Wide established network across government agencies, program offices, and academia
• Recognized industry expert within the Materials Science sector

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Served as principal investigator of research and development on CFRP composites for launch or space vehicle applications
• Authored grant proposals and served as principal investigator on externally funded research grants and commercial contracts
• Led investigations involving composite trade studies and polymer characterization, technology insertion, requirements definition to support launch vehicle programs
• 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 - Max)
$151,300 - $226,900
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.