Plasma Propulsion Research Engineer

Plasma Propulsion Research Engineer

Physicist III
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards, CA

HX5 is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations nationwide.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Education and Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. and at least 3 years of equivalent experience in plasma physics, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree from 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 additional programming languages
• Experience with developing diagnostic and data analysis software tools

Preferences

• 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; includes vacuum chambers, cryogenic pumps, diffusion pumps, control systems, and associated wiring and instrumentation
• Knowledge of, or experience with, applying diagnostics for custom applications involving plasma devices or charged particle beams, including time-of-flight systems, retarding potential analyzers, plasma probes (e.g. Langmuir probes, emissive probes, Faraday cups, ExB probes), and thrust stands
• Familiarity with good engineering practices related to the building, testing, and operating of electrical circuits used to provide power, control hardware and instruments, or acquire data signals, including operating and troubleshooting high-speed electronics and data acquisition systems (>1kV).
• Familiarity with good engineering test practices including test planning (plans and procedures), data analysis, anomaly resolution, statistical methods, safety practices, root cause analysis, test execution, and uncertainty tracking.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), LaTeX, or other document generator to prepare technical written reports and presentations regarding experimental methods, procedures, analysis, and results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and report on complex test data
• Experience designing and building components using conventional machining methods
• Experience working with or managing teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians and having good time-management, reporting, and communication skills (written and verbal)

Salary: This position is expected to pay $159,000-169,000 annually; depending on experience, education, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the position.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and offers a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) when applicable.

HX5 offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• 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

HX5, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

HX5, LLC is a Drug Free Workplace Employer.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please call (850) 362-6551.

CJ