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 Materials Science Department (MSD) is looking to hire a Mechanical Engineer with specific expertise in the mechanical testing of advanced materials. The MSD is located in Aerospace’s Space Materials Laboratory (SML) and develops, innovates, and enables new materials and ideas for the space industry. This hands-on role and will require physical presence in laboratory to design, set up, and perform experiments. This full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA. Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Aerospace Virtual Tours What You’ll Be Doing Provide leadership in the development of complex mechanical test protocols Handling multiple projects simultaneously, and will be responsible for maintaining mechanical systems, test apparatus and other instrumented systems that specialize in the analysis of new state-of-the-art materials and technologies. Communicating technical assessments and experimental results to specialist and non-specialist audience. Responsibilities include supporting research on internally or externally funded programs and providing technical support to Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD customers. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline is required Typically, 5 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required Demonstrated expertise in mechanical testing of advanced material systems, including tensile, compressive, and torsional tests. Familiarity with industry testing standards (ASTM, ASME, NIST, etc.) Familiarity with metallographic sample preparation for analysis. Proven ability to develop complex test protocols and to interpret the resulting data Willing to travel [domestically/internationally] approx. 10%, travel to customer and contractor facilities to support relevant reviews and testing as needed 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: 10 years of applicable professional or educational experience is strongly preferred Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques and processes is desirable Familiarity with mechanical testing for extreme conditions Experience standing up a mechanical testing lab Fundamental knowledge of other testing equipment such as digital image correlation (DIC), impact testers, nanoindentor, microhardness tester. 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) $70,999 - $123,920 - $176,842 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. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe. 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 required for those positions.