2027 Research Associate - Space Photovoltaic Hardware/Device Testing

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Space Photovoltaic Hardware/Device Testing Research Assistant to support scientists and engineers in testing solar cells and coupons, integrating design, test, and data analysis in a fast-paced lab. Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Electrical Engineering (recent grads welcome), 0–1 year experience, and the ability to obtain a U.S.

security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or related discipline (recent grads welcome).
• 0–1 year of industry experience.
• Experience in hardware and device testing.
• Experience with electrical test equipment such as meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, Keithleys.
• Working knowledge of LabVIEW or related data acquisition software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Performing tests and measurements of photovoltaic devices on systems using LabVIEW and related tools.
• Diagnose malfunctions or design problems and determine corrective actions to achieve measurement precision and accuracy.
• Supporting general laboratory activities including maintenance, calibration, cleanliness, organization, purchasing and inventory.
• Assisting in the design, construction, test, and checkout of test equipment.
• Recommending improvements or modifications to engineering designs as necessary.
• Fostering a collaborative working environment through open communication and teamwork.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Project management

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Materials/chemistry/EE

Tools

LabVIEW

Electrical test equipment

LTSpice

KiCad

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 diverse 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL leads the space photovoltaics community by conducting basic and applied research in characterizing novel photovoltaic devices and understanding how they degrade in the space environment. Our capabilities for advanced characterization techniques and dedication to precision and accuracy supports our national security and civil and commercial space customers with reliable data to predict the performance and degradation of their solar arrays in the harsh environment in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Space Photovoltaic Hardware/Device Testing Research Assistant. As a Space Photovoltaics Hardware/Device Testing Research Associate, you will directly support scientists and engineers by leveraging your skills to proactively identify, troubleshoot, and address challenges in the test and characterization of space solar cells and coupons. You will be responsible for integrating activities within a single full laboratory system and/or multiple integration as well as custom test activities. These activities include integration of design, setup, data collection, and analysis, with overall goals and direction provided by senior staff. You will also support designing unique solutions toward laboratory measurements, data analysis, and/or prototype deliveries in addition to maintaining and repairing existing equipment used for characterizing photovoltaic devices. The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Performing tests and measurements of photovoltaic devices on systems using LabVIEW and related tools
• Conducting testing in a development mode: diagnose malfunctions or design problems and determine corrective actions to achieve measurement precision and accuracy
• Supporting general laboratory activities including maintenance, calibration, cleanliness, organization, purchasing and inventory
• Assisting in the design, construction, test, and checkout of test equipment
• Recommending improvements or modifications to engineering designs as necessary
• Fostering a collaborative working environment through open communication, embracing diverse viewpoints to spur innovation and maintaining a cohesive, mission‑driven team dynamic
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

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 Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Experience in hardware and device testing
• Experience with electrical test equipment such as meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, Keithleys, and similar equipment
• Working knowledge of LabVIEW or related software for data acquisitions systems including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring, and data acquisition software
• Experience working with laboratory safety protocols
• This position requires 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

• Electronic Technician and/or Machine Shop training
• Experience with electrical characterization of semiconductor devices such as Dark Light-Current (IV), Light IV, Quantum Efficiency, Electroluminescence
• Layout competency: analog, digital, electrical circuitry do's and don’ts; mechanical drawing of complicated structures
• Experience using electronics circuit simulation tools and electronics CAD tools such as LTSpice and KiCad
• Experience working with and troubleshooting vacuum equipment
• Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks accordingly

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.

• 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 [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.