Plasma Effects Engineer

Description

Do you enjoy solving complex plasma physics challenges that impact space missions?

Are you passionate about protecting spacecraft and payloads from the harsh environments of space?

Do you like contributing to cutting-edge technologies that strengthen our nation's civil and national security space capabilities?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a creative, self-starting Plasma Effects Engineer to help us advance the understanding of plasma interactions and their effects on spacecraft, payloads, and space systems operating in both civil and hostile environments. As a member of our team, you'll collaborate with scientists, spacecraft and payload systems engineers, design engineers, and mission planners to ensure critical systems survive and perform reliably in challenging plasma environments. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, analysts, and scientists who have played a key role in the analysis, development, testing, and production of advanced spacecraft systems and payloads. We are passionate about solving complex technical challenges through innovative modeling, simulation, and experimentation, and we foster a collaborative environment where technical excellence, continuous learning, and mission impact are valued every day.

As a Plasma Effects Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to evaluate and mitigate plasma effects on spacecraft and payload systems through advanced modeling, simulation, testing, and technical analysis to ensure mission success in complex space environments.
• You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define system requirements, assess plasma interactions, and develop solutions that improve spacecraft survivability and performance.
• You will develop, execute, and analyze plasma test campaigns using laboratory facilities, particle and plasma sources, and flight or on-orbit testing to validate designs and characterize system behavior.
• You will generate technical reports, present findings to government sponsors and stakeholders, and contribute to the broader plasma engineering community through mentoring, workshops, and technical collaborations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related engineering or science field.
• Have 1 or more years of experience related to modeling plasma systems such as gas break down, plasma generators, and vehicle-plasma interactions (charging, wake formation, hypersonic plasmas, etc.).
• Have experience with laboratory experimental plasma physics including experiment design, instrumentation, plasma generation devices, and laser plasmas.
• Relevant experience with analysis of plasma data generated from experimental sources and flight tests.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Have the ability to gain SAP access

You go above and beyond the minimum requirements if you...

• Have a M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related engineering or science field.
• Have knowledge in electric propulsion engineering, spacecraft or other vehicle charging, nuclear plasma engineering, hypersonic plasmas, or impulsive plasma generation (eg hypervelocity impact or laser).

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually