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.
All roles require onsite presence a minimum of four days per week. Some roles may require five days onsite based on role responsibilities, business needs and manager discretion. Schedule flexibility may be available depending on the role and manager approval, including a 9/80 work schedule and compensatory time off (time off earned for hours worked beyond 40 per week) for eligible employees.
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 Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) focuses on areas of electronics and photonics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment. Within EPL, The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) focuses on laser-based technology research and development for space systems, with efforts in integrated photonics, quantum photonics, microwave photonics, lidar, atomic clocks, and others.
The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is looking to hire a Laser Engineer (Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff - Optical and Photonic Systems) to support the development of fiber and solid-state laser technologies for space applications, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) free-space communications transmitters, LIDAR transmitters, MOPA fiber lasers, laser beacon sources, laser sources for spectroscopic applications, and mJ-class high pulse energy lasers. This role requires to perform research and development, and support program needs with a focus on emerging laser technologies and platforms such as end-to-end custom development of custom laser systems, evolving them from initial concept through development and system level integration.
Candidates with prior experience with hands-on optical design and strong collaboration skills are especially encouraged to apply.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: 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
- Support the development of laser hardware for laboratory testbeds, field tests, and flight missions, working with our internal prototyping laboratory as needed
- Support live field test operations at El Segundo or remote locations
- Write technical reports on defense and national security space programs.
- Contribute to laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure mission success
What You Need to be Successful Member of the Technical Staff- Optical Engineering
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or related discipline
- A minimum of three (3) years of progressive professional engineering or scientific experience post bachelor's degree, demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges
- Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optical frequency conversions, laser beam characterization, and optical alignment and diagnostics
- Comfortable working independently on bench-level setup, alignment, and troubleshooting with strong lab notebook and data documentation habits
- Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
- Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours to support program needs
- 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 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 program in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or related discipline
- Experience in building fiber laser systems
- Experience in optical communications, free-space communications, LIDAR, adaptive optics, beam combining, or space technologies
- Modeling, measurement, and signal processing skills using various programming languages, i.e., Python, C++, Labview, etc.
- Experience designing optomechanical systems and packaging for laser systems
- Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas
- 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 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) $91,800.00 - $159,500.00
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 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.
