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), it is broadly engaged across all aspects of space, delivering innovative solutions for defense, civil, and commercial customers. 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 aspects 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. The Cleanroom & Device Test Associate supports principal investigators and staff scientists inside the cleanroom, operating sample preparation and device-processing equipment, and on the bench, performing electrical measurements on the same devices. The selected candidate is required to work full-time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, CA. ## What You'll Be Doing - 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. ## What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring - Strong written and oral communication skills. - Ability to work well in a team environment. - Organizational, time management, and project management skills. - Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs. - Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations. ## What You Need to be Successful ## Minimum Requirements - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months. - 0–1 year of industry work experience. - Experience working in a cleanroom environment, including gowning and contamination-control protocols. - Comfort handling harsh/hazardous chemicals, such as 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. - Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 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 electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, pursuing or conferred within the 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, or photolithography. - Experience with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). - Familiarity with KLayout or similar mask/layout design and viewing software. - Benchtop equipment experience, including parameter analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, DC power supplies, and multimeters. - Experience automating lab instruments using Python, LabVIEW, or another programming language. - Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. ## Compensation The grade-based pay range is $77,875.00–$126,900.00. Individual salaries are determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Pay basis: hourly. ## Benefits - Comprehensive health care and wellness plans. - Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation. - Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options. - 401(k) plan with a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire. - Flexible spending accounts. - Variable pay program for exceptional contributions. - Relocation assistance. - Professional growth and development programs. - Education assistance programs. - An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.