NDI Research Associate — Space & Materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Inclusive work environment

Professional growth

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Research Associate – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDI) to independently execute advanced NDI techniques on mission‑critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, supporting senior staff in technique development and validation at our El Segundo, CA facility.

You will collect and analyze inspection data, contribute to mission assurance, and help maintain NDI systems while collaborating with internal EHS and metrology teams. A Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 1+ years of professional experience performing non‑destructive inspections in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or research labs.
• Proficiency in multiple NDI techniques (UT, ET, RT, IRT, acoustic microscopy, etc.).
• Ability to operate, maintain, calibrate analytical instrumentation independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform non‑destructive inspections on mission‑critical components using UT, ET, acoustic microscopy, thermography, and other techniques.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot NDI instrumentation and test equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and document inspection data for materials characterization and NDI research.
• Support mission assurance by reporting inspection results for USSF, NRO, and commercial programs.
• Lead lab operations including organization, calibration coordination, inventory management, and ensuring quality standards.
• Collaborate with senior staff and cross‑functional teams for field evaluations and investigations.
• Work independently after onboarding to execute inspection programs and maintain NDI readiness.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Detail‑oriented

Adaptability

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering / Materials Science / Electrical / Mechanical / Physics

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

CAD

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Research Associate – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDI) to independently execute advanced NDI techniques on mission‑critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, supporting senior staff in technique development and validation at our El Segundo, CA facility.

You will collect and analyze inspection data, contribute to mission assurance, and help maintain NDI systems while collaborating with internal EHS and metrology teams. A Secret clearance is required.