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Surface Scientist
| Company | The Aerospace Coporation |
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| Location | El Segundo, CA, USA |
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| Salary | $100000 – $120000 |
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| Type | Full-Time |
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| Degrees | PhD |
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| Experience Level | Entry Level/New Grad |
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Requirements
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- 0-1 year of industry work experience
- Laboratory experience related to the characterization of materials and surfaces
- Experience with surface and materials characterization techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and/or atomic force microscopy
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple ongoing projects
- Experience using and developing laboratory test equipment to solve problems with materials
- Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the time for program support
- 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
- Transcripts required
Responsibilities
- Perform fundamental and applied studies of spacecraft materials, with a focus on the impact of interfacial phenomena to real and modeled systems for applications to tribology, contamination, and/or thin films applications
- Develop and apply subject matter expertise in surface characterization to spacecraft and launch vehicle systems
- Develop an understanding of National Security Space (NSS) program needs and develop scientific capabilities to address those needs
- Collaborate with a variety of technical experts across the laboratories on a wide variety of interdisciplinary projects, including (but not limited to) in the areas of physics, chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, optics, thermal transport, and propulsion
- Conduct research and applied studies, both individually and in collaborative teams
- Support with technical insights arising from the results of laboratory research
- Present results in reports, journal articles, and verbally for NSS customers, contractors, and the scientific community
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in surface science, optical thin films, tribology, and/or contamination
- Hands-on experience utilizing surface characterization tools to solve challenges with spacecraft materials
- Experience with laboratory high vacuum systems
- Experience building and improving laboratory test stands using labview, python, or other control software
- Active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
