Microwave Plasma Technologist Verified today
About Space Forge
Space Forge is a fast-growing in-space manufacturing company developing new compound semiconductor substrates aboard the ForgeStar, the world's first returnable and re-launchable satellite platform. The ForgeStar supports in-space manufacturing, microgravity research, planetary landing systems, and deep space exploration.
The Role
You will design, develop, and optimise microwave plasma systems for advanced materials and manufacturing applications. You will work with considerable independence, collaborating closely with engineers and designers to implement optimisations, troubleshoot technical challenges, and document methodologies and results.
Key responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and optimise microwave plasma systems for advanced materials and manufacturing applications
- Model and simulate plasma behaviour generated by microwaves
- Design and test experimental setups
- Analyse performance data and optimise system design
- Develop an accurate numerical model of the plasma/microwave system
- Complete design and commissioning of the prototype plasma chamber
- Complete design and commissioning of the first CVD capable reactor
- Support iterative design changes as reactor limits are identified
- Conduct FTO and prepare IP submissions based on plasma development work
- Stay current with emerging plasma technologies and contribute to continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
Technical skills:
- Strong foundation in plasma physics, electromagnetics, or related disciplines with practical experience in microwave systems
- Experience with microwave plasma generation, or at minimum design and development of microwave systems for industrial applications such as heating
- RF design experience
- Hands-on skills in experimental setup and diagnostics for plasma or high-frequency systems
- Experience with numerical modelling or simulation tools, ideally COMSOL, for fields and plasmas
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field; PhD is an advantage
Soft skills:
- Hands-on experimental attitude
- Enthusiasm for R&D work
- Comfortable with hybrid work and occasional intense effort
- Ability to work safely with vacuum and high-frequency equipment, following laboratory safety protocols and industry standards
The Details
Employment type: Full-time, hybrid role based in Cardiff with occasional travel to Swansea.
Salary: £40,000 to £60,000 per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills.
Benefits
- Flexitime: 40 hours to be worked across Monday to Friday as fits your needs and the role
- Hybrid remote working with nominally 1-2 days per week onsite in Cardiff or Swansea as required
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays
- Pension scheme at 4% matched
- Up to 5 volunteering days per year for charity or causes you care about
- Access to Spill, an all-in-one mental health support platform offering anonymous therapy sessions
- Maternity and paternity benefits beyond statutory minimum