2027 Cleanroom & Device Test 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.

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) support 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.

Within MTD, the Device Physics and Reliability Section investigates electronics reliability and physics of failure for advanced microelectronic and RF systems supporting national security space applications. We are seeking a Cleanroom & Device Test Associate to support principal investigators and staff scientists both inside the cleanroom — operating sample preparation and device-processing equipment — and on the bench, performing electrical measurements on the same devices.

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.

• →Operate cleanroom equipment, including reactive ion etching (RIE), rapid thermal annealing (RTA), wafer dicers, lithography aligners, E-beam evaporators, profilometers, and furnaces, to prepare, process, and deprocess samples and test structures
• →Safely handle hazardous chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid, under established safety procedures
• →Perform electrical measurements on bare die and packaged parts using probe stations and benchtop test equipment
• →Maintain cleanroom protocols, gowning procedures, and equipment logs
• →Assemble test setups based on requirements provided by the principal investigator
• →Collect and analyze measurement data, correlating electrical results with physical/process observations
• →Support reports and presentations to communicate results
• →Maintain equipment capability by ensuring it is calibrated and serviced when needed
• →Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

• 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 
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment (gowning, contamination-control protocols)
• Comfortable handling harsh/hazardous chemicals (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) under established safety procedures
• General knowledge of semiconductor devices and circuits
• Team player with strong organizational skills
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot problems
• Transcripts
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience in a cleanroom or semiconductor fab environment, including internships
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom process tools: RIE, RTA, wafer dicers, E-beam lithography/evaporation, photolithography
• Experience with scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Familiarity with KLayout or similar mask/layout design and viewing software
• Benchtop equipment experience (parameter analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, DC power supplies, multimeters)
• Experience automating lab instruments using Python, LabVIEW, or other programming language
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

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  

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.

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.