2024 Battery Evaluation Research Associate

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.

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL's impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL's exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.

PSL's Energy Technology Department (ETD) provides subject matter expertise on a space vehicle's two main energy sources: solar arrays and batteries. In order to Lead from the Front, ETD studies both existing, emerging, and future energy storage technologies. As a Battery Evaluation Research Associate within ETD, you will be working with an interdisciplinary team performing testing and evaluation of spacecraft battery/cell devices and providing support in the research of battery materials and technology for national security space customers.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA , which requires 100% onsite work.

What You'll Be Doing

• Batteries are a critical part of space vehicle design. Understanding battery performance and degradation characteristics can help inform mission capabilities and life.

  • You will work with a team of test engineers and scientists to execute battery cell testing and run experiments to evaluate battery materials and performance.

  • You will work with battery scientists to fabricate specialty electrochemical cells for performance evaluation (testing, impedance spectroscopy, calorimetry, etc.) and perform physical/chemical analysis of materials (microscopy, spectroscopy, XRD, etc.).

  • You will develop profiles to execute the tests on battery test equipment such as Arbin or Maccor. You will then start the tests and follow them through completion.

  • You will be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring the calibration of the metrology equipment, and maintaining a safe and organized laboratory environment.

  • You will also assist in laboratory improvement planning and development, including identifying new lab capabilities, preparing procurement specifications, and performing capability integration.

  • You will process battery test data and prepare details of analytical reports, including preliminary findings and recommendations. You may develop code for efficient analysis of battery cell data, as well as modeling and trending performance and degradation.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited college/university programin Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• 0-1 year of industry work experience

• Experience in any of the following: battery testing/cycling, battery fabrication or energy storage materials research, or other electrochemical research

• Experience with data processing/visualization software such as Python, Origin, or Tableau

• This position requirestheability to obtain and maintain a securityclearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline

• Experience with developing, troubleshooting, and executing data analysis using Python, Java, Matlab or other high-level programming language. Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing large datasets

• Experience with battery or electrochemistry data processing

• Experience with commercial battery cyclers, such as Arbin, Maccor, or Chroma

• Experience with developing and executing Design of Experiments (DoE) for fabrication and testing of R&D cells

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)

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 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 at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.