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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on experiments to enhance spacecraft propulsion technology and investigate thrust generation.
- Company: Join Magdrive, a pioneering company in next-gen spacecraft propulsion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space innovation and make a real impact on future technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD in Plasma Physics or relevant experience in experimental physics.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and exciting projects.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Magdrive
Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting‑edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbits and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport. We are also starting to develop recycling & refuelling approaches for future spacecraft propulsion.
Position Summary
As an Experimental Physicist at Magdrive, you will be investigating the physical processes of thrust generation and propellant refuelling in the Magdrive thruster. You’ll design and run your own experiments to study these processes in the new DEEP facility at Magdrive and work closely with the rest of the experimental team carrying out other research. In addition, you’ll collaborate with colleagues running FEM simulations to iterate designs of thruster components. This is a hands‑on role, planning and delivering experiments to help push our propulsion technology to higher performance and improve its longevity.
Work Environment
We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.
What you will be doing
- Working with other members of the Experimental Physics team on experiments to investigate and improve the performance of Magdrive thrusters.
- Testing refuelling of the Magdrive thruster with recycled metallic propellant.
- Collaborate with other teams to interpret requirements and plan and conduct experiments to answer their questions.
- Utilising computational analysis tools to analyse results from experiments.
- Interpreting and reporting results from experiments to the team and company.
- Maintaining a tidy, well‑organised laboratory environment and ensuring safe working practices are followed.
What we are looking for
Essential
- PhD in Plasma Physics or Electric Propulsion or similar OR Degree in Physics or Engineering and 4 years’ experience applying experimental physics in industry.
- An enquiring problem solving mindset with an appetite for practical experimental work.
- Experience planning, conducting and analysing results of experiments.
Desirable
- Experience of using simulation to support experimental research.
- Practical working knowledge of electronics to support experimental design.
- Experience with vacuum systems & optical diagnostics.
- Experience with Python for computational data analysis and/or hardware control.
- Knowledge of existing electric propulsion technologies.
- Experience with pulsed power or high voltage.
- Experience with simulation tools for electromagnetics (e.g. FEM with e.g. COMSOL) or circuits (e.g. CASTLE or LTSpice).
What we offer
- Salary: £45k – £55k per annum (DOE)
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, plus long‑service awards (up to 30 days)
- Private medical insurance
- Flexible working hours
- Remote working where possible
- Financial support for home office setup
Unit 4, Bep0 Building, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, United Kingdom, OX11 0GD.
Experimental Physicist in Harwell employer: Entrepreneur First
Contact Detail:
Entrepreneur First Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experimental Physicist in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with Magdrive employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your experimental work, including any cool projects or results you've achieved. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your research and problem-solving approach. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at Magdrive. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Experimental Physicist in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Experimental Physicist role. Highlight your relevant experience in experimental physics, especially any hands-on work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're doing at Magdrive!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about spacecraft propulsion and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working at Magdrive.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight specific examples of how you've tackled complex problems in your previous roles. We love a good problem solver, especially when it comes to experimental work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Magdrive.
How to prepare for a job interview at Entrepreneur First
✨Know Your Physics
Brush up on your knowledge of plasma physics and electric propulsion. Be ready to discuss specific experiments you've conducted and how they relate to thrust generation and propellant refuelling. This shows you’re not just a theoretical physicist but someone who can apply their knowledge practically.
✨Showcase Your Experimental Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in the lab. Highlight any experiments you've designed and run, especially those involving vacuum systems or optical diagnostics. Magdrive values practical skills, so demonstrate your problem-solving mindset with real examples.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since you'll be working closely with other teams, emphasise your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you’ve worked with simulation teams or interpreted requirements from different departments. This will show that you can communicate effectively and work well in a team environment.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about computational analysis tools and programming languages like Python. Brush up on your knowledge of FEM simulations and any relevant software you've used. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart as a candidate who’s technically savvy.
