IC 2027 Materials Physicist - Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)
About the role
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. Internship conversion position for the Materials 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.
Responsibilities
- 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