Particle Induced Radiation Effects Scientist Intern

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. 

Become part of our unique Space Sciences Department team, where you'll contribute to cutting-edge space environment research that serves the national interest and supports the broader space community. We're looking for innovative, driven researchers eager to make direct contributions to space system design and mission operations for government, civil, and commercial customers navigating the challenges of the dynamic space radiation environment.  Our customers want to use state-of-the-art components in severe radiation environments to push the performance envelopes of their mission.  Testing and mitigating radiation effects allows them to take smart, measured risks to push the mission forward at speed and at scale.  As a Particle Induced Radiation Effects Scientist in PSL's Space Sciences Department, you'll conduct both fundamental and applied research in engineering and science, tackling complex challenges related to how space radiation environments affect space system design and operation for the latest technologies. In this critical role, your work will span the topics of radiation environments and electronic component impacts to provide customers with tailored, risk-informed, mission-specific solutions. Success in this position requires strong communication skills—you'll share your findings and practical applications through direct customer engagement, presentations at scientific and engineering conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

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

• Space can be an incredibly harsh environment for vehicles, sensors, and systems, and these impacts can be mitigated through careful design and parts testing and selection
• This position supports a wide variety of critical space programs in the areas of radiation and space environmental hazards to include hazard assessment, testing methodology, and the uptake of the latest results in civil, commercial, and academic communities to ensure mission success
• Conduct testing of microelectronic parts at particle accelerator and other facilities for single-event phenomena, total dose, and other radiation effects
• Conduct research on radiation effects in microelectronics and deliver results in conferences and peer-reviewed publications
• Be on the cutting edge to design advanced radiation monitors and instrumentation for laboratory and spaceflight applications to understand and characterize these environmental hazards
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong software development skills
• Must work well in a team environment.
• Possess organizational and time management skills.
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  
• Understanding of particle interactions with matter and electronics as well as a general understanding of accelerator physics
• Understanding of microelectronics function and operation as well as technological and industry trends
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex technical issues
• Willing to travel domestically and/or internationally approx. 10%
• 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:

• 1+ years of experience in testing of electronics parts for radiation effects including single event effects from protons and heavy ions
• Experience with community engagement in radiation effects on microelectronics
• Experience designing and testing advanced radiation monitors
• Current TS/SSBI (SCI) 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)

$106,300.00 - $159,500.00Pay 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:

• 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.