Bennett Aerospace Inc. is looking for an entry-level scientist to join a dynamic team advancing the future of space food production. This position will support analytical studies and experiments in space horticulture, with a primary focus on evaluating new crops in controlled environments in soil, hydroponics, and microgravity dependent watering systems. The Scientist I will help operate plant growth hardware, collect data, and contribute to research that supports future space exploration missions.
Position Responsibilities:
Execute plant experiments in controlled environment agriculture systems.Operate, clean, and monitor controlled environmental chambers and growth facilities.Assist with planting, care, and post-harvest assessments of experimental crops, including quality evaluations and yield measurements.Set up, maintain, and use hydroponic systems (e.g., NFT, DWC) and drip irrigation systems.Work with various growth media (e.g., coco coir, soil, hemp substrates) and irrigation methods (e.g., hand-watering, sub-irrigation, drip systems).Prepare nutrient solutions and monitor pH/EC as part of crop fertigation.Perform visual crop assessments and record findings accurately.Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for propagation, transplanting, maintenance, and harvesting.Carry out daily plant care and assist in maintaining experimental records.Support operation and testing of plant growth hardware developed for use in space or specialized terrestrial systems.Perform routine laboratory cleaning, organization, and maintenance of supplies and workspaces.Demonstrate accountability, initiative, attention to detail, and effective time management.Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced research environment.Support occasional weekend work, as needed, to maintain ongoing experiments.Use Microsoft Office 365 tools (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for data entry, communication, and reportingOther Responsibilities:
Safety – LASSO enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.Position Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, horticulture, plant science or related science field OR 8 years equivalent experience. Excellent communications and analytical skills, working knowledge of computer systems and integrated software application programs. Position may require travel.Position may require the ability to pass and maintain a Security Clearance. US citizenship is required for unescorted access to assigned work area(s). Must be able to successfully pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries.Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in research laboratories conducting biological studies. Demonstrated ability to work in teams with diverse membership including other scientists and engineers. Experience with horticultural techniques such as described above.Experience growing edible crops such as lettuce, tomato, pepper, melon, cucumber, or legumes in controlled environments.Familiarity with plant propagation techniques, including clonal propagation, tissue culture, or grafting.Experience with LED lighting systems and an understanding of how light quality impacts plant growth and nutrition.Hands-on experience with tools used in plant physiology and morphology, including:Portable photosynthesis systemsFluorometersLeaf porometersLeaf area metersScales and balancespH/EC metersInterest or familiarity with microgravity-adapted watering systems and plant cultivation methods for spaceflight applications.
This position is located at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000
Please apply online:
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Three Saints Bay, LLC and its subsidiaries offer a team-oriented working environment and the opportunity to work with exceptional, dedicated industry professionals. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to take part in exciting projects with government and commercial clients, both domestic and international.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite resumes from all interested parties without regard to race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, creed, national origin, age, genetic information, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.