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- Tasks: Conduct hands-on experiments to enhance spacecraft propulsion technology and improve thruster performance.
- Company: Join Magdrive, a pioneering company in next-gen spacecraft propulsion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, remote work options, and generous leave policies.
- 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: Magdrive Ltd
Contact Detail:
Magdrive Ltd 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 counts.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
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 with propulsion technologies or similar fields. We want to see how your background aligns 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 skills can contribute to our mission at Magdrive. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
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’re looking for that enquiring mindset, so share those moments where you’ve designed experiments or overcome challenges in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Magdrive Ltd
✨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 familiar with theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in past experiments. Magdrive values an enquiring mindset, so be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to find solutions. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and analytical thinking.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Since collaboration with teams using FEM simulations is key, make sure you understand the basics of tools like COMSOL. If you have experience with Python for data analysis or hardware control, highlight that too. It’s a great way to show you can bridge experimental work with computational analysis.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Magdrive's current projects and future directions in spacecraft propulsion. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your enthusiasm for contributing to their innovative work. It’s a chance to demonstrate your passion for the field!
