2026 Atomic Clocks Scientist

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) 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 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 Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Section in PSL is involved in a broad range of both basic and applied precise-timekeeping activities including: simulations of space-timekeeping architectures prototype development of next-generation space clocks, basic physics experiments elucidating processes affecting clock performance, clock ensemble testbeds, time transfer and synchronization studies, and hardware flight demonstrations. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research in these areas, develop new research ideas, prepare research for publication internally and externally, and communicate with customers through various means. Responsibilities will also include assisting senior staff with creating briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis.

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis in precise timekeeping and atomic clocks.
• Follow established best practices and procedures, contribute to developing additional processes as warranted for safe and productive laboratory operating principles.
• Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large on additional projects
• Work with management on creating and executing to projects’ budgets and schedules
• Mentor staff and be a good steward of your individual and team contributions
• Assist senior staff with creating briefing materials, proposals, laboratory experiments, analytical modeling, and data analysis
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
  
  

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
  
  

Minimum Requirements

What You Need to be Successful

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Hands on experience in a research laboratory environment with precise timekeeping and related equipment and infrastructure
• 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 and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Transcripts
  
  

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience with electrical design and prototyping for optical sensors and devices, including laser drivers, temperature control, low-noise detectors and amplifiers
• Experience with prototyping miniature and compact optical, fiber optic, and/or integrated photonic devices
• Experience generating precision timescales and ensembles for timekeeping metrology
• Experience with time transfer and synchronization, especially satellite time transfer
• Experience working with commercial manufacturers of atomic clocks, quantum sensors, or other precision fieldable devices
• Experience with pulsed optically pumped clocks, coherent population trapping, mercury ion clocks, frequency combs or 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)

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 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.