2026 Battery Engineer

Employer description

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) 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts applied research in energy technology in support of space power systems, developing new tools and capabilities for characterization, evaluation, and assessment in support of acquisition of current and next generation energy storage and energy generation technology for national security space customers. As a Battery Engineer/Scientist within PSL’s Energy Technology Department (ETD), you will contribute to the development of new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft applications. You will conduct experiments, perform data analysis and modeling, and provide technical assessments for next generation spacecraft energy storage technologies for national security space customers.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

You will support R&D projects focused on battery and energy storage technologies for spacecraft and launch vehicle applications, including conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting resultsYou will perform battery testing, characterization, and data analysis to evaluate performance, degradation, and failure modes of lithium-ion and other energy storage systemsYou will apply data analysis, modeling, and programming tools to support battery performance predictions and materials analysisYou will assist in failure analysis and anomaly investigations, performing physical evaluations of battery materials and componentsYou will collaborate with senior scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to design experiments and contribute to technical assessmentsYou will prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings to project teams and customersYou will support customer interactions and participate in meetings with program offices and government stakeholdersYou will contribute to the development of future spacecraft battery technology roadmaps and support the transition of new energy storage technologiesThis job is critical to the success of future National Security Space battery and energy storage development and acquisition

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

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 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in material science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 0-1 year industry experienceDemonstrated knowledge or experience in battery/energy storage research, testing, or characterizationStrong foundation in electrochemistry principles, materials science, and/or energy storage systemsHands-on experience with battery testing protocols, characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, EIS, cyclic voltammetry), or data interpretationAbility to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts effectivelyWilling to travel approx. 10-20% (as required) 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

Active Secret or Top Secret security clearanceStrong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations related to batteries or electrochemical systemsExperience with data analysis, computational modeling, and programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) for battery performance analysis or materials simulationExperience with lithium-ion battery performance evaluation, degradation analysis, or failure investigationFamiliarity with space systems, requirements development, or assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) processesExperience presenting technical findings to diverse audiencesLeadership experience through mentoring, teaching, or leading collaborative projects

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)

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 StrategicallyLead 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.