Electric Propulsion Researcher

Be the Difference

Astrion offers comprehensive services that boost preparedness, optimize performance, and ensure success across various domains, from Cyber to Digital, Mission and Systems, servicing our nation's Civilian, Defense and Space communities. We support customers with Centers of Excellence in Washington DC, Huntsville, AL and Burlington, MA with an additional 36 locations across the U.S.

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for an ELECTRIC PROPULSION RESEARCHER to join our RAPTR contract.

JOB DETAILS

LOCATION: Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards AFB, CA

JOB STATUS: Full Time

TRAVEL: Optional, but typically 1-2 weeks per year for conferences, etc.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Minimum of an M.S. or equivalent experience in electrical engineering, plasma physics, aerospace engineering, or a similar field.
• Technical expertise in at least one area of electrical circuits, RF power, plasma generation, plasma diagnostics, electric propulsion principles, or the building and testing of electric propulsion devices.
• Experience working in or leading teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Security Clearance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience working in or managing teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians and having good interpersonal, reporting, and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience with MATLAB to solve engineering problems, LabVIEW and National Instruments systems to control test equipment, and Allen-Bradley automation systems. Familiarity with Python, C++, or other additional programming languages desirable.
• Must be organized, punctual, self-motivated, a team player, and a strong communicator
• Experience with developing diagnostic and data analysis software tools is desirable but not necessary - willing to learn.
• Familiarity with good engineering test practices including project planning, 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 written reports and presentations regarding experimental methods, procedures, analysis, and results.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret complex test data
• Experience with design, modification, operation and troubleshooting electric propulsion test facilities; includes vacuum chambers, cryogenic pumps, diffusion pumps, control systems, and associated wiring and instrumentation
• Experience building, testing, and operating 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).
• Experience designing and building components using conventional machining methods
• Knowledge of or experience applying diagnostics for custom applications involving plasma devices are charged particle beams, including time-of-flight systems, retarding potential analyzers, plasma probes (e.g. Langmuir probes, emissive probes, Faraday cups, ExB probes), or thrust stands
• Experience operating experiments or tests involving Hall-effect thrusters, ionic liquid electrosprays, or other electric propulsion technologies

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Full-time engineering researcher position providing 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).
• 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.
• Duties will range from supporting basic research in the areas of charge 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.

Salary Information

• $100k - $125k a year

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Continuing education assistance
• Professional development allotment
• Multiple healthcare benefits packages
• 401K with employer matching
• Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are

At Astrion, we innovate, elevate, and shape the world of tomorrow. At our core is our purpose to "Be the Difference". This means we encourage our employees to take action and be the driving force for positive change. We foster an environment where innovative solutions flourish, and our company continuously evolves.

We have a culture of care, empathy, and making a tangible difference within our organization and communities. We embrace continuous learning, growth, and innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We promote collaboration and empowering our teams is at the core of our success.

Join Astrion and Be the Difference in your career and the world!

Astrion is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.