Senior Metallurgical Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, California, El Segundo
Mar 04, 2025
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. Job Summary 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 diverse 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 Materials Science Department (MSD) provides materials specific expertise to our customers and conducts unique research across metallic, ceramic, composite, and polymeric materials. Our unique capabilities include processing, characterization, and testing of these families of materials, and we use these to provide in-depth experimental data to better inform our customers and solve the hardest problems facing the space domain. As the Senior Metallurgical Scientist - Materials Science, you will be the senior technical authority and principal investigator of teams and projects focused on metallic materials. You will coordinate large-scale failure investigations, provide technical expertise on a variety of alloys, guide research portfolios, collaborate across departments both internal and external to the Aerospace labs, and mentor younger engineers and scientists. The ideal candidate will have strong technical communication skills, as they will be a primary liaison that connects our customers to the technical data that we generate. Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour Work Model This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. What You'll Be Doing Lead and work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to perform numerous in-depth structural materials-related root cause investigations, specifically focused on metallic materials Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for metallic materials, including additive manufacturing and alloy development Assess technology gaps and provide direction for process development Direct research on the development of novel metallic material applications as well as science-based investigation pushing forward materials and processing technologies for space applications Provide technical expertise to associate contractors and government agencies to formulate system requirements, testing procedures, and materials/processing standards Understand customer problems and issues and turn them into tasks that can be supported by Aerospace capabilities at large, including cross Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and external company teaming. Delivers results, lead communications, and engages with impact with personnel within PSL and between organizations within ETG Communicate with PSL managements and provide both technical and organizational leadership to guide research portfolios and laboratory capabilities in structural materials and metallurgy with respect to space technology Obtain research funding, internal and external, through collaboration with national laboratories, universities, and other research organizations What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Senior Metallurgical Scientist - Materials Science: PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldsis required A minimum of (10) years of experience in materials science, with a focus on metallurgyis required Experience leading cross-departmental teams in root-cause metallurgical failure investigations Experience in systems engineering concepts for space system development, assembly and testing throughout program life cycle Familiarity with environmental and structural testing requirements for launch vehicles, upper-stage vehicles, space vehicles, and their respective sub-systems and components and understanding tailoring of requirements according to mission risk categories Ability to align and lead departmental research activities with US government priorities and guidance for space system acquisition Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior customer leaders Willingness to occasionally travel (domestically/internationally) and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% (as required) This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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: Multi-disciplinary experience across the space enterpriseis strongly preferred Experience with a direct customer advisory role in a program officeis preferred Experience with metallurgical issues related to fabrication and testing of propulsion components and pressurized structures and systems Demonstrated leadership of research portfolios and successful external collaborations Technical and research excellence as demonstrated through an active publication record A current TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 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) $117,300 - $175,900 Pay 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: 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal,as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.