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)supportsthe effective andtimelydevelopment 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 troubleshootvirtually everyaspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. Theexpertiseof the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Section in PSL is involved in a broad range of both basic and applied precise-timekeeping activitiesincludingsimulations of space-timekeeping architecturesprototypedevelopment of next-generation space clocks,basic physics experiments elucidating processes affectingclockperformance,clock ensemble testbeds, time transfer and synchronization studies, and hardware flight demonstrations
Our team is seeking an Atomic Clocks Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff) specializing in optical and photonic systems for atomic clock development and precision timekeeping applications. The successful candidate will drive cutting-edge research in these areas, develop innovative research concepts, and prepare findings for internal and external publication. This role requires strong communication skills to engage effectively with customers and stakeholders through presentations, reports, and technical discussions.
Key responsibilities include:
Candidates must have demonstrated laboratory experience with precision timekeeping equipment and infrastructure.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
WhatYou’llBe Doing
Plan and execute experiments anddataanalysis inprecise timekeepingand atomic clocks
Follow established best practices and procedures, contribute to developingadditionalprocesses aswarrantedfor safe and productive laboratory operating principles
Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large onadditionalprojects
Work with management on creating andexecuting toprojects’ budgets and schedules
Mentor staff and be a good stewardofyour individual and team contributions
Assistsenior staff with creating briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis
What You Need to be Successful
MinimumRequirements for the Atomic Clocks Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff) include
Ph.D. degree in Physics, Chemistry,Optics,Math,Computer Science, Electrical Engineeringor related science and engineering fields is required
A minimum of (5) years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience (graduate school research experience may count toward this requirement), demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership, innovation,exposure to methods of precision timekeeping,and the ability to solve complex technical challenges is required
You should have strong interpersonal skills, which include mentoring and collaborating with other employees tooptimizeresearch progress and drive technical innovation
Strong organizational and communication skills which include test and demonstration planning, time/resource management, laboratory safety, and research documentation
This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtaina securityclearance
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:
Strong publication record anddemonstratedability to develop and execute innovative research projects especially those related tophotonic devices is preferred
Demonstrated ability towriteresearch proposals for external funding
Knowledge of government project lifecycles
Experience with electrical design and prototyping for optical sensors and devices, including laser drivers, temperature control, low-noisedetectorsand amplifiers
Experience with prototyping miniature and compact optical, fiber optic, and/or integrated photonic devices
Experience generating precision timescales and ensemblesfor timekeeping metrology
Experience with time transfer and synchronization, especially satellite time transfer
Experience working with commercial manufacturers ofatomic clocks, quantum sensors, or other precision fieldable devices
Experience with pulsed optically pumped clocks, coherent population trapping, mercury ion clocks, frequencycombsor optical clocks
Knowledge of space-based position, navigation, and timing (PNT) and its users
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)
$110,400.00 - $165,500.00Pay Basis: Annual
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:
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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
The Aerospace Corporation is a leading architect for the nation’s space programs, advancing capabilities that outpace threats to the country’s national security while nurturing innovative technologies to further a new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to solve the hardest problems in space and assure mission success for space systems and space vehicles.
