IC 2027 Materials Physicist - Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)

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

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is offering an internship conversion in the Materials Physics and Non-destructive Evaluation section of the Materials Science Department.

The role requires full-time, on-site work at our El Segundo facility, with duties spanning NDI technique development, inspection data review, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure mission assurance and structural integrity of space hardware.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0–1 year of industry work experience
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Ability to obtain/maintain US security clearance
• Willingness to travel ~20% of time

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical advisor to USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs.
• Present inspection findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to support mission success and structural integrity.
• Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for launch vehicle components.
• Conduct applied research in materials characterization and NDI science.
• Perform hands-on inspection of flight hardware and field evaluations.
• Lead cross-functional teams in laboratory testing and technical reviews.

Skills

Written & spoken comms

Team collaboration

Project management

Adaptability

Interpersonal coordination

Education

PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Python

C++

LabVIEW

Ultrasonics

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.

Internship conversion position for the Materials Physics and Non-destructive Evaluation section of the Materials Science Department. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as technical advisor to USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs, ensuring mission assurance through expert review of inspection data, manufacturing documentation, and technical assessments that inform critical program decisions
• Partner with program offices and technical teams to present inspection findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to support mission success and structural integrity verification
• Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for mission‑critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, including methods based on radiography, ultrasonics, eddy current, thermography, and other inspection modalities
• Conduct applied research in materials characterization and NDI science to solve emerging inspection challenges and enable next‑generation aerospace systems
• Perform hands‑on inspection of flight hardware and conduct field evaluations at manufacturing and launch sites
• Lead cross‑functional teams in laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure structural integrity and mission success
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

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:

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Strong foundation in aerospace materials science, structural mechanics, and the physical principles underlying non‑destructive inspection techniques
• Demonstrated proficiency in performing and interpreting results from one or more NDI techniques, including but not limited to: radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), infrared thermography (IRT), and/or visual inspection methods
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches to problem solving
• Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours to support program needs (approximately 20% travel or as required)

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

• Active security clearance
• Experience developing and qualifying non‑destructive inspection (NDI) methodologies for composite, metallic, or advanced material systems, including technique validation, procedure documentation, and performance verification
• Measurement and signal processing skills using various programming languages, i.e., Python, C++, Labview, etc.
• Experience designing custom inspection fixtures and automated test systems, including mechanical design, motion control integration, and rapid prototyping for NDI research applications
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas
• Experience with the Intelligence Community

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)

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 pipeli