2025 Atmospheric Lidar Scientist

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 hiring an Atmospheric Lidar Scientist for an opportunity located in El Segundo, CA.
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports 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. The 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 Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring an Atmospheric Lidar Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff-Optical Engineering) to perform research and development, and support program needs with a focus on emerging photonic technologies and platforms such as lidar sensors, fiber laser systems, integrated photonics, and linear/Geiger mode photodiodes.
Candidates with prior experience with lidar system development, atmospheric lidar, photonic integrated circuits, and familiarity with active or passive remote sensing are especially encouraged to apply.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite laboratory work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Will be working on laser and lidar projects
• Providing technical expertise on atmospheric lidar, 3D remote sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization.
• R&D remote sensing system evaluation through Designing, Developing, Testing, and deploying new imaging and lidar systems
• Engaging in research, development, and analysis activities and providing technical guidance
• Working on hardest nation's space challenges towards novel solutions
• Performing analytical studies, conducting tests, developing details of specifications, preparing details of analytical report findings
• Assisting in planning and development of studies and design projects
• Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts on matters of importance

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Computer Sciences, Optical Science, Physics or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience in one of these domains: atmospheric lidar, atmospheric characterization, remote sensing, laser, or closely related fields
• Experience with Atmospheric optics/physics
• Experience with lasers, laser safety, and optical design
• Proficiency in a programming language (such as Python, C++, MATLAB) for system control, system testing, and data analysis
• Demonstrate technical writing skills for effective communication of results.
• Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%
• 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 required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Active security clearance
• Physical Optical Propagation Modelling for laser propagation through the atmosphere
• Atmospheric Boundary Layer characteristics
• Familiar with atmospheric science open-source libraries
• Experience with orbital mechanics and trajectory planning tools (Poliastro, Skyfield, WGS84, SGP4)

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)
$110,000 - $130,000
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 - 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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
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.