2026 Particle Induced Radiation Effects Scientist

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance programs

Job summary

aero in El Segundo, California is seeking a Particle Induced Radiation Effects Scientist to contribute to innovative space research. You'll tackle challenges related to space radiation environments, engage with customers, and present findings at conferences.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD, has up to 1 year of experience, and possesses strong communication skills. The salary ranges from $120,000 to $140,000 annually, and benefits include comprehensive healthcare and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of industry work experience.
• Understanding of particle interactions with matter and electronics.
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct testing of microelectronic parts at particle accelerator.
• Conduct research on radiation effects in microelectronics.
• Design advanced radiation monitors for applications.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong software development skills

Teamwork

Organizational and time management skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related discipline

Job description

Become part of our unique Space Sciences Department team, where you’ll contribute to cutting‑edge space environment research that serves the national interest and supports the broader space community. As a Particle Induced Radiation Effects Scientist in PSL’s Space Sciences Department, you’ll conduct both fundamental and applied research in engineering and science, tackling complex challenges related to how space radiation environments affect space system design and operation for the latest technologies. In this critical role, your work will span the topics of radiation environments and electronic component impacts to provide customers with tailored, risk‑informed, mission‑specific solutions. Success in this position requires strong communication skills—you’ll share your findings and practical applications through direct customer engagement, presentations at scientific and engineering conferences, and peer‑reviewed publications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Space can be an incredibly harsh environment for vehicles, sensors, and systems, and these impacts can be mitigated through careful design and parts testing and selection
• This position supports a wide variety of critical space programs in the areas of radiation and space environmental hazards to include hazard assessment, testing methodology, and the uptake of the latest results in civil, commercial, and academic communities to ensure mission success
• Conduct testing of microelectronic parts at particle accelerator and other facilities for single‑event phenomena, total dose, and other radiation effects
• Conduct research on radiation effects in microelectronics and deliver results in conferences and peer‑reviewed publications
• Be on the cutting edge to design advanced radiation monitors and instrumentation for laboratory and spaceflight applications to understand and characterize these environmental hazards
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong software development skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational and time management skills
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Understanding of particle interactions with matter and electronics as well as a general understanding of accelerator physics
• Understanding of microelectronics function and operation as well as technological and industry trends
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex technical issues
• Willing to travel domestically and/or internationally 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.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

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

• 1+ years of experience in testing of electronics parts for radiation effects including single event effects from protons and heavy ions
• Experience with community engagement in radiation effects on microelectronics
• Experience designing and testing advanced radiation monitors
• Current TS/SSBI (SCI) security clearance

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Benefits

• 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

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 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 e‑mail at [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.