2026 Plasma Science Research Associate

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

Telework options

401(k)

Flexible spending accounts

Relocation assistance

Professional growth

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo is seeking an entry‑level scientist/engineer to support the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section. You will assist with experimental design, fabrication, instrumentation, and analysis for propulsion and plasma research.

As part of PSL, you’ll contribute to test infrastructure readiness, collaborate with engineers, and develop hands‑on skills in a dynamic, security‑driven environment. U.S. citizenship and clearance eligibility required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• 0-1 year industry experience.
• Fabrication skills with hand tools and basic machine tools.
• Working knowledge of electronics and basic circuit design.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring and software.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists and engineers in experimental design, development, and troubleshooting.
• Design, fabricate, instrument, and troubleshoot new experiments; maintain existing experiments.
• Ensure readiness of electric propulsion and plasma science test infrastructure.
• Collaborate with internal support organizations as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical engineering, or physics

Job description

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 Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section focuses on experimentally studying electric propulsion and other low-temperature plasma space technologies. This includes performing experiments to resolve flight anomalies, as well as characterizing commercial EP devices using our extensive plasma physics expertise. With a range of test facilities at our disposal, including our world-class EP3 chamber, we are equipped to study not only low-power devices like electrosprays but also high-power (>10 kW) systems. In support of flight programs, the section also investigates other plasma‑adjacent phenomena like electrostatic discharge (ESD), sputtering, multipactor breakdown, and other forms of plasma‑material interaction.

What You’ll Be Doing

We perform technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis. You will directly support scientists and engineers of the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section in this function as well as interface as needed with other internal support organizations. Our technical work demands a broad hands‑on skillset to achieve our goals, and your applied skills will be critical to the success of the projects performed by the section. Your function will involve the design, fabrication, instrumentation, and troubleshooting of new experiments as well as maintenance of existing experiments. You will play a critical role in the readiness of our electric propulsion and plasma science test infrastructure. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

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

Minimum Requirements for the

Minimum Requirements for the include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year industry experience
• Fabrication skills with hand tools and basic machine tools
• Working knowledge of electronics and basic circuit design
• Working knowledge of data acquisitions systems including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring, and data acquisition software

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: Experience working in and maintaining a plasma science or electric propulsion laboratory Experience working with high purity low pressure flow gas flow systems.

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) $84,600.00 - $126,900.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver 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 [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.