Degree in physics or engineering (electrical, aerospace, nuclear, materials)
Hands-on experience with RF plasma source design and testing
Strong foundation in plasma physics and wave physics
Knowledge of RF equipment and safety protocols
Experience with hardware design, especially flight hardware
Proficiency in Python and SolidWorks
U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance
Responsibilities
Design, build, and test RF plasma sources like inductively coupled or helicon sources
Tune sources for stable operation on reactive gases
Develop electron-emitting cathodes for maximum efficiency
Characterize plasmas using various diagnostic tools
Collaborate with electrical engineers on RF power and control systems
Evaluate materials for performance in reactive plasma environments
Establish safe RF lab practices and testing procedures
Benefits
Own a core propulsion component from inception to flight
Apply plasma expertise to impactful space applications
Collaborate with a founding team experienced in electric propulsion
Receive meaningful early-stage equity
Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
Full Job Description
RF Plasma Engineer - Build the Plasma Source Behind Next-Generation Space Propulsion
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
We are hiring an RF Plasma Engineer to design, build, and test a radio-frequency plasma source and develop it into a long-life electron source for our propulsion system. You will own the source from first plasma through flight qualification, and partner with our electrical engineers on the RF drive and control electronics.
This role suits a plasma physicist or engineer who has generated and controlled RF plasmas, whether in electric propulsion, fusion, or semiconductor and materials plasma processing, and who wants to see that work fly in space.
Job Duties
Design, build, and test an RF plasma source such as an inductively coupled or helicon source
Tune the source for stable, efficient operation on reactive, non-traditional gases
Develop the source into an electron-emitting cathode that maximizes extracted current and efficiency
Characterize plasmas using Langmuir probes, optical emission spectroscopy, and RF diagnostics
Design matching networks and partner with electrical engineering on RF power and control electronics
Evaluate materials for erosion, contamination, and long-duration performance in reactive plasma environments
Set up safe RF lab practices and test procedures
Iterate quickly toward flight-qualified hardware
Qualifications
Degree in physics or in electrical, aerospace, nuclear, or materials engineering, or a related field
Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF plasma sources
Strong foundation in plasma physics, including plasma wave physics
Working knowledge of RF equipment and RF safety, including generators, matching networks, and impedance measurement
Experience designing and building hardware, with flight hardware a strong plus
Proficiency in Python
Proficiency in SolidWorks
U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Experience
Experience with RF plasma thrusters or helicon sources
Semiconductor plasma etch, deposition, or surface processing experience
Materials science background, especially plasma-material interactions
Hollow cathode or electron source experience
Graduate research in plasma physics
Vacuum system design and operation
Why Join Us
Own a core propulsion component from first plasma to flight
Apply plasma expertise to a new space application with direct mission impact
Work with a founding team with deep electric propulsion expertise
Meaningful early-stage equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
