NDE Research Associate, Space Materials Lab

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Research Associate in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) to perform advanced inspections on mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components. You will operate NDI instrumentation, collect data, and contribute to mission assurance while coordinating with senior staff.

The role offers hands-on laboratory work, exposure to multiple NDI modalities, and opportunities to advance in a collaborative, security-focused environment within PSL

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or physics field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0–1 year industry experience
• Technical background in materials science, physics, or engineering with exposure to NDI techniques
• Practical laboratory experience performing non-destructive inspections using UT, ET, Thermography, or other NDI methods
• Ability to troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation
• Willingness to travel 10–20% and work outside normal hours to support program needs

Responsibilities

• Perform non-destructive inspections on mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components using ultrasonic testing, eddy current, acoustic microscopy, thermography, and other advanced inspection techniques
• Operate and maintain NDI instrumentation including ultrasonic systems, eddy current equipment, acoustic microscopes, thermography systems, and associated test and measurement electronics
• Collect, analyze, and document inspection data to support applied research activities in materials characterization and NDI science
• Contribute to mission assurance by conducting inspections, analyzing measurement data, and preparing technical reports for USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment calibration records, and inventory management to ensure operational readiness and compliance with quality standards
• Collaborate with senior technical staff and cross-functional teams to support field evaluations, failure investigations, and technical assessments
• Develop proficiency in multiple NDI modalities through hands-on training and mentorship from senior technical staff

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Eng/Materials/EE/ME/Physics

Master's degree in same fields

Tools

Ultrasonic testing

Eddy current testing

Acoustic microscopy

Thermography

Data acquisition systems

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Research Associate in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) to perform advanced inspections on mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components. You will operate NDI instrumentation, collect data, and contribute to mission assurance while coordinating with senior staff.

The role offers hands-on laboratory work, exposure to multiple NDI modalities, and opportunities to advance in a collaborative, security-focused environment within PSL