2027 X-Ray Imaging and Physical Analysis Research Associate

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) is part of PSL with specialized laboratories used to test, accelerate, and analyze, failures in electronics used for space system. MTD is comprised of two sections: one that performs radiation effects testing and discrete microelectronics testing, while the other section performs failure analysis on microelectronics using tools that can identify anomalies from the macroscopic down to the atomic scale. We are hiring an X-Ray Imaging and Physical Analysis Research Associate (Research Associate ll - Hardware/Device Testing). You will be responsible for performing of X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) data acquisition and image analysis, and also sample preparation and mounting technique development for XCT, and other advanced physical analysis imaging techniques, to enhance perceptivity of failures and anomalies in different microelectronic materials and devices for space applications.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Microelectronics Lab Virtual Tour 

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Collect and interpret 2D X-ray radiography images and 3D x-ray computed tomography data of aerospace parts including microelectronics, 3D-printed materials, machined parts, including flight hardware
• Support the analysis of materials, devices, test structures and prototypes using tools including optical microscopes and XCT
• Sample preparation with mechanical polisher, laser engraving tool, and sample fixturing with FDM 3D printers, machine shops
• Maintain equipment capability by procuring replacement parts, performing basic maintenance and calibration, and coordinating service visits from equipment vendors, data archival. Compiling information.

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 Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, material science, earth science, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Knowledge x-ray absorption and propagation.
• Experience working with Python or similar programming language
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical personnel via oral and written forms
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10% if 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. 

How You Can Stand Out   

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

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in related fields (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• Experience using LLMs to code in Python for instrument communication, data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience with CAD software and machine shop or 3D-printing to make custom fixtures for holding samples in the XCT machines.
• Experience with maintaining, calibrating, and servicing X-ray sources.
• Experience with using XCT for failure analysis and root cause analysis for microelectronic and aerospace parts
• Experience with Volume Graphics, Avizo, and/or Dragonfly

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)

$37.44 - $56.16

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 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.