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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts applied research in energy technology in support of space power systems, developing new tools and capabilities for characterization, evaluation, and assessment in support of acquisition of current and next generation energy storage and energy generation technology for national security space customers. As a Battery Engineer/Scientist within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will contribute to the development of new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft applications. You will conduct experiments, perform data analysis and modeling, and provide technical assessments for next generation spacecraft energy storage technologies for national security space customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will support R&D projects focused on battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft and launch vehicle applications, including conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting results
• You will perform battery testing, characterization, and data analysis to evaluate performance, degradation, and failure modes of lithium-ion and other energy storage systems
• You will apply data analysis, modeling, and programming tools to support battery performance predictions and materials analysis
• You will assist in failure analysis and anomaly investigations, performing physical evaluations of battery materials and components
• You will collaborate with senior scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to design experiments and contribute to technical assessments
• You will prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings to project teams and customers
• You will support customer interactions and participate in meetings with program offices and government stakeholders
• You will contribute to the development of future spacecraft battery technology roadmaps and support the transition of new energy storage technologies
• This job is critical to the success of future National Security Space battery and energy storage development and acquisition

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 material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year industry experience
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in battery/energy storage research, testing, or characterization
• Strong foundation in electrochemistry principles, materials science, and/or energy storage systems
• Hands-on experience with battery testing protocols, characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, EIS, cyclic voltammetry), or data interpretation
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts effectively
• Willing to travel approx. 10-20% (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

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations related to batteries or electrochemical systems
• Experience with data analysis, computational modeling, and programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) for battery performance analysis or materials simulation
• Experience with lithium-ion battery performance evaluation, degradation analysis, or failure investigation
• Familiarity with space systems, requirements development, or assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) processes
• Experience presenting technical findings to diverse audiences
• Leadership experience through mentoring, teaching, or leading collaborative projects

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)

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 pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.