Plasma Propulsion Research Engineer

HX5, LLC • Lancaster, CA

73d • $159,000 - $169,000

About The Position

HX5 is currently seeking a Physicist / Engineering Researcher to provide engineering support to the Advanced Electric Propulsion Group in the In-Space Propulsion Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) in Edwards, CA. Duties will range from supporting basic research in the areas of charged particle beams and plasma physics, spacecraft plume interactions, diagnostic development, alternative propellants, and testing practices; to applied technology development – including fabrication, testing, analysis, and technology development for both internal research efforts and flight programs. Technologies of interest span all forms of electric propulsion including Hall thrusters, electrosprays, radio frequency thrusters, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters, and other advanced concepts.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. and at least 8 years of equivalent experience in plasma physics, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field.
• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program.
• Technical expertise in at least one area of Hall effect thruster operation or design, RF thruster operation or design, plasma generation, plasma diagnostics, electric propulsion principles, ionic liquid electrosprays, or pulsed plasma devices.
• Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, National Instruments systems, and Allen-Bradley automation systems, Python, C++, or other programming languages.
• Experience with developing diagnostic and data analysis software tools.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of an M.S. or equivalent experience in plasma physics, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field.
• Minimum three years of professional experience in a related field of research.
• Experience with design, modification, operation or troubleshooting electric propulsion test facilities.
• Knowledge of applying diagnostics for custom applications involving plasma devices or charged particle beams.
• Familiarity with good engineering practices related to electrical circuits and high-speed electronics.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office software, LaTeX, or other document generators.

Responsibilities

• Support basic research in charged particle beams and plasma physics.
• Conduct research on spacecraft plume interactions.
• Develop diagnostics and alternative propellants.
• Engage in applied technology development including fabrication, testing, and analysis.
• Work on technology development for internal research efforts and flight programs.
• Focus on electric propulsion technologies including Hall thrusters and other advanced concepts.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pet Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees