Senior Materials Physicist, NDE for Space Systems

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness

Paid holidays, sick time, vacation

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems with unmatched technical expertise. In this role, you will develop advanced non-destructive inspection techniques and serve as a trusted technical advisor to ensure mission assurance for critical space hardware.

You’ll lead cross‑functional teams, analyze inspection data, and communicate complex findings to program stakeholders while collaborating with USSF, NRO, and commercial space

Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, EE, ME, Physics or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive engineering or scientific experience post-bachelor degree.
• Strong foundation in aerospace materials science, structural mechanics and NDI principles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical advisor to space programs, ensuring mission assurance via inspection data reviews.
• Present inspection findings, risk assessments and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for launch vehicle components.
• Perform hands-on inspection of flight hardware and conduct field evaluations.
• Lead cross-functional teams through laboratory testing, failure investigations and reviews.
• Collaborate across internal and external organizations to support program needs.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Time management

Project management

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree

Tools

NDI techniques RT UT ET IRT

Non-destructive inspection

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems with unmatched technical expertise. In this role, you will develop advanced non-destructive inspection techniques and serve as a trusted technical advisor to ensure mission assurance for critical space hardware.

You’ll lead cross‑functional teams, analyze inspection data, and communicate complex findings to program stakeholders while collaborating with USSF, NRO, and commercial space