Sr Radiation Physicist/Engineer – Microelectronics

This position is contingent upon contract award and is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee.

About the role

ZelTech is seeking a Senior Radiation Physicist/Engineer to lead predictive analysis and radiation-effects modeling for microelectronics integrated into space and terrestrial assets. In this role, you will bridge space environment physics, computational radiation modeling, and empirical test correlation. The ideal candidate’s efforts will result in analysis tools used to support design and development of microelectronic components, subsystems, and payloads that can survive and perform reliably across long-duration space and terrestrial missions. Resulting efforts will also support predictive analysis of performance thresholds for already deployed assets.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in space radiation environments (trapped belts, galactic cosmic rays, solar particle events), radiation-matter interaction theory, advanced data analytics, and will play a pivotal role in predicting asset survivability, shaping radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) architectures, and correlating predictive models against real-world and test data.

Responsibilities

• Space Environment & Predictive Physics Modeling
  • Space-Domain Modeling: Develop, validate, and refine predictive physics models to evaluate single-event effects (SEE), total ionizing dose (TID), enhanced low-dose-rate sensitivity (ELDRS), and displacement damage dose (DDD) in advanced microelectronics intended for orbital and deep-space platforms.
  • Radiation Transport Simulations: Perform high-fidelity transport and energy-deposition simulations across component, board, and system-level shielding configurations.
  • Failure Mechanism Analysis: Apply radiation impact theory to identify physical degradation mechanisms and single-event phenomena in semiconductor technologies (e.g., FinFET, FD-SOI, GaN, SiC, 3D ICs).
• Data Analysis & Empirical Correlation
  • Complex Data Integration: Process, analyze, and synthesize large, high-dimensional datasets combining environment models, simulated physics outcomes, and accelerator ground-testing data.
  • Correlation Studies: Design and execute statistical correlation studies comparing predicted asset radiation responses against empirical test data.
  • Model Validation: Calibrate theoretical and computational frameworks using ground test results to continuously improve prediction accuracy and quantify model uncertainty for high-reliability mission profiles.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Must have a master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering (with a focus on semiconductor physics), Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline and 7+ years of post-graduate professional or research experience in radiation physics, space environment analysis, or radiation effects on microelectronics.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Skills

• Technical Skills & Expertise
  • Radiation & Microelectronics Theory: Deep theoretical understanding of radiation environments, charge transport, single-event transients/upsets, micro-dosimetry, and displacement damage in microelectronics.
  • Advanced Data Analysis: Proficiency in statistical data analysis, regression models, and data visualization using programming environments such as Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), MATLAB, or R.
  • Empirical Data Correlation: Proven track record of evaluating radiation test data (heavy ion, proton, neutron, gamma, X-ray) and conducting data-driven validation against predictive models for flight microelectronics.
  • Modeling & Simulation Tools: Expertise with radiation transport codes (Geant4, MCNP, SRIM/TRIM, FLUKA) and space environment prediction tools (CREME96/CREMEMC, SPENVIS, AP9/AE9, SHIELDOSE-2).
• Soft Skills
  • Strong technical writing capability with experience writing comprehensive analytical reports and readiness reviews.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex physics concepts for cross-functional teams.
  • Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort navigating multi-variable, empirical-versus-modeled data discrepancies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting satellite programs, space domain payloads, or high-reliability (Class S / Space-grade) microelectronics development.
• Familiarity with space testing standards and guidelines (e.g., MIL-STD-883 Method 1017/1019, JESD57, ASTM, ESCC 22900).
• Experience with advanced node geometries or wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN, SiC) engineered for space power and RF systems.
• Background in analyzing telemetry data from on-orbit radiation monitors or spacecraft microelectronics to validate ground predictions.
• Current active Security Clearance.

Physical Demands

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

About ZelTech

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Our Mission
Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology-driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

Our Workforce
ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professionals, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products