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. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. Job Summary The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. The Photonics Technology Department in Aerospace Corporation provides technical guidance to a wide range of space programs and customers and investigates the applications of photonics in the national security space sector. The PTD delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. This includes laser communications, LiDAR, quantum communications, atomic clocks, materials physics, and radiation effects. As the Photonics and Laser Systems Engineer, you will focus on LiDAR sensors and laser applications and involve scientific collaboration with research staff and customers, as well as field demonstrations of new technology. The qualified candidate will have the opportunity to work across a variety of space and deep space applications in a world-class laser and LiDAR facility. Work Model This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA. What You’ll Be Doing You will be working on laser and LiDAR projects for NASA, SDA, SSC, SpRCO, MDA Designing, Developing, Testing, and deploying new imaging and sensor products, including optical, electro-optical, laser, and LiDAR systems Engaging in research, development, and analysis activities and providing technical guidance Working on hardest nation’s space challenges towards novel solutions Performing analytical studies, conducting tests, developing details of specifications, preparing details of analytical report findings Assisting in planning and development of studies and design projects Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts on matters of importance What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Computer Sciences, Optical Science, Physics or other STEM technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 0-1 year of industry work experience Experience in one of these domains: remote sensing, optics, photonics, laser, or closely related fields Lead build process development of laser diodes, laser modules, and multi-laser systems Experience with lasers, laser safety, optical design, and detection (APD, SPAD, PMT) Proficiency in a programming language (such as Python, C , MATLAB) for system control, system testing, and data analysis Demonstrate technical writing skills for effective communication of results Willingness to occasionally travel domestically and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required) This position requires the 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 Transcripts required How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Understanding of sources of error in remote sensing, laser comm and LiDAR datasets Developing Image Processing pipelines Modelling of optical systems using geometric and physical optics in Optics Studio (Zemax) Satellite communications or optical communications Experience with SolidWorks and/or a test programming language such as Labview Experience with orbital mechanics and trajectory planning tools (Poliastro, Skyfield, WGS84, SGP4) 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 - Mid - Max) $71,000 - $104,900 - $138,800 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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement. Right Place The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges. Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development. Right Purpose We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it. Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.