Electronics Technician

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

This position will be under the Communication Electronics Department within MPD. We are seeking to hire a highly motivated individual with skills to support day to day laboratory operational duties, as well as electrical and/or mechanical assembly and testing.  Typical activities/behaviors include organic interactions with technicians, engineers and management in the Department and across the organization, implementation and optimization of operational processes in the lab, maintenance and improvement in lab organization, and a demeanor that enables full execution of tasks/activities, which at times can require multiple follow ups with individuals in other organizations. In summary, the selected individual would foster a safe, efficient, collaborative, and rewarding lab environment and operations, which supports our broad team of Engineers that work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient satellite payloads. Our academic-like collegial atmosphere encourages collaboration with and continued growth opportunities by learning from our technical staff in the fields of electronics and mechanical assembly, as well as RF testing.

Work Model: The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lab operational responsibilities include:

  • Maintain clean and organized laboratory environment

  • Acquire laboratory supplies and measurement and test equipment for the labs

  • Coordinate with metrology to get instruments calibrated on time

  • Provide relevant operational support to sister Departments upon direction

  • Maintain a strict inventory tracking process for components and instruments and keep our internal tracking system up to date

  • Respond to on demand tracking of measurement and test instruments

  • Mentor high school work study students in such a way that desired outcomes are met from both sides (school and lab)

  • Act as the go-to person to coordinate with facilities/vendors for various updates related to the lab, spearhead lab moves, coordinate new test setups, etc

  • Break down complex logistical/operational tasks into components and execute on time with both team and customer satisfaction

  • Foster a safe, collaborative, and rewarding lab environment

• Basic electrical and mechanical fabrication and assembly

• Collaborate with staff and peers in fabricating and testing RF electronics in a research and development laboratory environment

What You Need to be Successful – Technical Specialist II

Minimum Requirements:

• Four or more years of experience with an associate’s degree or equivalent vocational/military training, or five or more years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or equivalent

• Experience working in a laboratory or equivalent environment (including manufacturing), adhering to safety procedures and maintaining measurement and test equipment

• Proficiency with standard business applications such as Microsoft Office

• Resourceful and Quick troubleshooting skills

• Experience using power tools such as drill press and hand tools such as screwdriver and wrench

• Ability to assist in moving instrumentation and other laboratory assets for test setups/storage

• Capability to work under minimal supervision, self-initiate activities, and meet timelines

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Technical Specialist III:

• Vocational trade school, apprenticeship program, or equivalent 8-10 years of related industry experience

• Demonstrated ability to interact with engineers in their area of technical knowledge, providing insights and suggestions

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and collaborate with internal and external organizations in partnership with management

• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to changing organizational or lab needs

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Mentorship of less experienced personnel

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Familiarity with microwave equipment such as network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, etc

• Advanced microwave circuit assembly and fabrication skills

• Ability to create mechanical drawings using SolidWorks

• Experience with heavy machine tools such as a lathe or mill

• Basic knowledge of scripting languages such as Visual Basic or Python or MATLAB

• Current and active security clearance

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 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.