Internship conversion position for theMaterials Physics and Non-destructive Evaluation section of the Materials Science Department.The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What Youll Be Doing
- Serve as technical advisor to USSF, NRO, and commercial space programs, ensuring mission assurance through expert review of inspection data, manufacturing documentation, and technical assessments that inform critical program decisions
- Partner with program offices and technical teams to present inspection findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to support mission success and structural integrity verification
- Develop and validate advanced NDI techniques for mission-critical launch vehicle and spacecraft components, including methods based on radiography, ultrasonics, eddy current, thermography, and other inspection modalities
- Conduct applied research in materials characterization and NDI science to solve emerging inspection challenges and enable next-generation aerospace systems
- Perform hands-on inspection of flight hardware and conduct field evaluations at manufacturing and launch sites
- Lead cross-functional teams in laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure structural integrity and mission success
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
- Training and mentorship will be provided
WhatCorporateSkillsYoull 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 need
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. degreefrom an accredited college/university programin mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
- Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation
- 0-1 year of industry work experience
- MinimumGPA of3.0
- Strong foundation in aerospace materials science, structural mechanics, and the physical principles underlying non-destructive inspection techniques
- Demonstrated proficiency in performing and interpreting results from one or more NDI techniques, including but not limited to: radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), infrared thermography (IRT), and/or visual inspection methods
- Creative thinking and innovative approaches to problem solving
- Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge
- Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours to support program needs (approximately 20% travel or as required)
- 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:
- Active security clearance
- Experience developing and qualifying non-destructive inspection (NDI) methodologies for composite, metallic, or advanced material systems, including technique validation, procedure documentation, and performance verification
- Measurement and signal processing skills using various programming languages, i.e., Python, C++, Labview, etc.
- Experience designing custom inspection fixtures and automated test systems, including mechanical design, motion control integration, and rapid prototyping for NDI research applications
- Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas
- Experience with the Intelligence Community
We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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 6 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 otherthe belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
