Advanced Plasma & Magnetoplasmadynamic Engineer

Stealth Communications is seeking multiple Advanced Plasma & Magnetoplasmadynamic Engineers to drive innovation in high-power plasma propulsion systems, including Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, Pulsed Plasma Engines (PPE) and fusion-based plasma confinement and energy applications.

In this role, you will lead the design, modeling and optimization of next-generation plasma technologies, pushing the boundaries of propulsion, directed energy systems and advanced defense applications.

We are looking for experts in ionized gas dynamics, high-energy magnetoplasma interactions and electromagnetic propulsion technologies who are ready to tackle the challenges of deep-space propulsion and high-power plasma applications.

If you have a strong background in plasma physics, pulsed plasma generation, and high-power electromagnetic field control, we invite you to join our advanced R&D team!

This position is based onsite in Pensacola, FL. Security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

Design and optimize plasma thrusters, including Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, Pulsed Plasma Engines, Hall-effect thrusters, and VASIMR propulsion systems.

Develop numerical plasma models using Particle-in-cell, fluid-kinetic hybrid, and MHD simulations to analyze plasma instabilities, charge transport, and turbulence effects.

Conduct high-power electromagnetic field simulations, optimizing Lorentz-force acceleration, plasma sheath interactions and charge transport dynamics.

Engineer pulsed and steady state plasma generation systems including: inductive, capacitive, and electrostatic plasma accelerators for propulsion and energy conversion.

Develop and integrate Pulsed Plasma Engine technology, focusing on electrode erosion mitigation, impulse-bit optimization, and pulse shaping for thrust efficiency.

Implement machine learning algorithms for real-time instability detection, plasma flow control, and adaptive electromagnetic field optimization.

Collaborate with internal & external partners to advance classified plasma propulsion and energy research.

Lead experimental campaigns in high-energy plasma labs, designing and executing tests for plasma confinement stability, ionization efficiency, and charge transport modeling.

Contribute to the development of advanced fusion plasma confinement systems, including magnetic field topology optimization and turbulence suppression techniques.

Author technical reports, white papers, and classified research documents on plasma acceleration, high-energy ion beam transport, and electromagnetic propulsion advancements.

Qualifications

Must possess an active, transferable TS/SCI CI Poly U.S. government-issued security clearance before applying

Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on electromagnetic propulsion and plasma interactions.

At least 10+years of experience in plasma physics, ionized gas dynamics, or high-energy MHD systems.

Expertise in Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, Pulsed Plasma Engines, Hall thrusters, and fusion plasma applications.

Proficiency in electromagnetic wave-particle interactions, including plasma wave dispersion, cyclotron resonance heating, and plasma instabilities.

Strong experience with Particle-in-cell, fluid-kinetic hybrid, and full-wave MHD codes, including, but not limited to: XOOPIC, LSP, Gkeyll, Starfish, OpenFOAM, USim, or COMSOL Multiphysics.

Knowledge of electrode physics, sheath formation, and secondary electron emission effects in high-power plasma thrusters.

Experience designing high-power magnetic field configurations, including pulsed plasma confinement, plasma mirrors, and toroidal field optimization.

Hands-on experience with plasma diagnostics, such as Langmuir probes, laser-induced fluorescence, Thomson scattering, interferometry, and spectroscopy-based plasma measurements.

Expertise in high-voltage pulsed power systems, including capacitive discharge, inductive coupling, and radio-frequency plasma heating methods.

Experience in electrostatic and magnetostatic confinement techniques, including mirror-based magnetic fields, cusp geometries, and quadrupole plasma stabilization.

Strong background in relativistic plasma dynamics, including beam-plasma interactions, space-charge effects, and anomalous transport mechanisms.

Experience integrating machine learning models for plasma behavior prediction, anomaly detection, and real-time system control.

Deep understanding of charge exchange processes, ion-neutral collisions, and plasma recombination mechanisms in high-energy plasma flows.

Familiarity with pulsed plasma accelerator technologies, including coaxial plasma guns, theta-pinch devices, and magnetically insulated transmission lines.

Experience working on field-reversed configurations and magnetized target fusion concepts for plasma confinement and energy conversion applications.

Proficiency in radiation transport modeling, including Bremsstrahlung emission, synchrotron radiation, and plasma opacity calculations for high-energy-density plasma environments.

Experience designing compact plasma-based energy conversion systems, such as thermionic converters, plasma MHD generators, and pulsed inductive thrusters.

Starting annual salary: $400,000 + Sign on Bonus: $400,000 + Relocation Costs via Stealth Real Estate Operations