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.

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.

Job Summary

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 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 Space Science Applications Laboratory's (SSAL) Remote Sensing Department leads in researching new remote sensing phenomenologies and applying unique instruments to enhance missions such as overhead persistent infrared surveillance, nighttime imaging, and space domain awareness. Collaborative work within SSAL, with xLab engineers, and with colleagues from the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG), space program offices, as well as university, industry and federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) researchers is a critical aspect of our work. Recent efforts have included specialized near infrared imaging capabilities, small satellite remote sensing, target signatures modeling, stellar calibration of space systems, building a unique automated research observatory (Aerotel) and a major effort aimed at developing new techniques and instruments for characterizing satellites on orbit. We work with data from our own instruments as well as government sensors. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintain the department's cryogenic, infrared spectrographs, keep them in proper calibration, and assist astronomers and engineers in the development and testing of instrument upgrades
• Coordinate logistics (instrument and cryogen shipping) as well as lead instrument setup, operation, and tear-down for quarterly observing runs at the AEOS 3.6-m telescope on Haleakala, Maui
• Develop and document procedures for safe and efficient shipping, setup, operation, and tear-down of departmental instrumentation at a variety of observatories
• Replace defective components or parts using hand tools and precision instruments
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronic units, applying mechanical aptitude and knowledge of electronic theory and components
• Assist the team with maintenance and operation of the department's Aerotel 1-m telescope on campus in El Segundo, CA
• Assist the team with logistics on observing runs at other telescopes and sites across the country
• Hold a Purchasing Card (P-Card) and perform equipment purchasing and monthly reconciliation to assist the team in the execution of maintenance and upgrade activities

This position is available as a Test & Measurement Specialist III or a Test & Measurement Specialist IV

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Test & Measurement Specialist III

• High school diploma or equivalent minimum of 4 years in a vocational trade school or apprenticeship program
• Intermediate-level experience with instrument maintenance, setup, control, data collection, data management, and documentation
• Ability to work at altitudes greater than 10,000 feet
• Experience working with laboratory safety protocols
• Knowledge and use of test instruments
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 25% of the time
• This position requires the 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.

Test & Measurement Specialist IV

Same requirements as a Test & Measurement Specialist III noted above, in addition to:

• Advanced experience with maintenance, setup, control, data collection, data management, and documentation of a variety of instruments
• Advanced experience with cryogenic instrumentation and associated laboratory safety protocols

How You Can Stand Out

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

Test & Measurement Specialist III

• 7-10 years industry experience
• Intermediate-level experience working at astronomical observatories

• Intermediate-level experience with cryogenic instrumentation
• Intermediate-level experience with CAD software
• Intermediate-level experience with machining
• Master's degree in STEM field

Test & Measurement Specialist IV

• 10-12 years industry experience
• Advanced experience working at astronomical observatories
• Advanced experience with CAD software
• Advanced experience with machining
• Master's degree in STEM field

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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law andthe supplement, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.