2026 Plasma Science Research Associate

About the Role

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Plasma Science Research Associate (Research Associate III) to join the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL). This role involves supporting national security systems through scientific research and advanced technologies, with a focus on experimental study of electric propulsion and low-temperature plasma space technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform technical assessment, research and development, risk mitigation, and anomaly investigation and resolution through laboratory experimentation and analysis.
• Directly support scientists and engineers of the Electric Propulsion & Plasma Science section.
• Interface with other internal support organizations as needed.
• Design, fabricate, instrument, and troubleshoot new experiments.
• Maintain existing experiments.
• Play a critical role in the readiness of electric propulsion and plasma science test infrastructure.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related discipline.
• 0-1 year industry experience.
• Fabrication skills with hand tools and basic machine tools.
• Working knowledge of electronics and basic circuit design.
• Working knowledge of data acquisition systems including measurement hardware, sensors, wiring, and data acquisition software.
• Must obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Corporate Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to 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.

Standout Qualifications

• Experience working in and maintaining a plasma science or electric propulsion laboratory.
• Experience working with high purity low pressure flow gas flow systems.

Work Location

• Full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, California.