Plasma Effects Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define system requirements, assess plasma interactions, and develop solutions that improve spacecraft survivability and performance.
• 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.
• 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

• B.S. in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related engineering or science field.
• 1 or more years of experience related to modeling plasma systems such as gas breakdown, plasma generators, and vehicle-plasma interactions (charging, wake formation, hypersonic plasmas, etc.).
• 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.
• Ability to obtain a 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.
• Ability to gain SAP access.

Preferred Qualifications

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

About Us

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.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Unparalleled retirement contributions
• Healthy work/life balance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Training and development

Pay

$85,000 - $195,000 Annually. 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.