2027 X-Ray Imaging and Physical Analysis Research Associate

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Research Associate II - Hardware/Device Testing to perform X-ray computed tomography data acquisition and image analysis for aerospace parts and microelectronics. The role involves sample preparation, fixture development, and advancing physics-based failure analysis.

Ideal candidates have a STEM degree with exposure to Python and XCT, strong communication, and a willingness to travel up to 10% for site work and collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (EE, physics, chemistry, CS, materials science, earth science, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering) or related
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Knowledge of x-ray absorption and propagation; Python or similar language
• Ability to convey technical information to non-technical personnel; travel up to ~10% domestically/internationally

Responsibilities

• Collect and interpret 2D X-ray radiography images and 3D XCT data of aerospace parts and materials
• Support analysis of materials, devices, and prototypes using XCT and optical microscopes
• Prepare samples with mechanical polisher, laser engraving, and fixture setup including 3D-printed fixtures
• Maintain equipment by procuring parts, scheduling calibrations, and coordinating vendor service

Skills

Python

X-ray physics

Communication

Teamwork

Education

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

Tools

XCT

CAD software

3D printing

Volume Graphics/Avizo/Dragonfly

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 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

• 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 performan