Applied Research & Development Engineer

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Starfire has immediate openings for two PhD-level research engineer/scientists to lead critical applied R&D projects and systems development in our business groups:

1. Plasma Surface Solutions:  Our advanced IMPULSE® next-generation HiPIMS thin-film deposition/etch hardware and advanced ICM and Radial Magnetron™ coating technologies, and RADION™ microwave cold-plasma sources for etching, PECVD and plasma catalysis in our surface solutions group, and
2. Particle Accelerator Solutions:  Our nGen® portable sealed neutron generators for downhole well logging, agricultural soil characterization, homeland security and industrial inspection, and Centurion® ultra-compact RFQ linear accelerators for proton cancer therapy, medical radioisotope production and advanced neutron imaging and environmental analysis in our particle accelerators group.

Successful candidates will demonstrate leadership of development teams for applied research or industrial product development, ability to work under pressure, effectively communicate results, meet deadlines, and manage a diverse team across many disciplines and resource areas.  Experience in one or more areas for (1): thin-film research, materials deposition and etching, material properties evaluation, in-line PVD coatings, plasma engineering, magnetron construction, vacuum chamber system design, or data analysis and visualization.  Experience in one or more areas for (2): hands-on testing experience with microelectronics, power/HV electronics, digital/analog communications, RF/microwave amplifiers, antennas and plasma sources, modeling & simulations (COMSOL, CST Studio, HFSS, Sonnet, etc.), nuclear & radiological engineering, and data analysis & visualization.

We seek highly motivated persons to join our R&D team and become subject matter experts in several domains, serve as principal investigators on SBIR/STTR projects and foster relationships with customers, partners and end-users.  At Starfire, you have the ability to make a deep impact.

Job Summary:​
​You will become an SME to lead applied research programs and product development in either of these areas.  You will serve as a supporting researcher and/or principal investigator for SBIR/STTR projects.  You will coordinate with university and corporate partners, develop test plans, guide experimentation, perform data analysis, present at technical conferences and publications, and demonstrate technical leadership to guide product and market development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead key R&D efforts to support product and system development in either ultra-compact particle accelerator and pulsed power systems, or thin-film material surface solutions
  
• Provide guidance and technical management to an applied engineering team across concurrent projects from early R&D through late-stage prototyping
  
• Develop research strategies, actively engage in both the laboratory, prototype design and production environment, and support testing and data analysis
  
• Support the management team with technical reporting, resource allocation and communicating with our customers, suppliers and development partners
  
• Engage with customers and end-users to understand their requirements to enable our products to be safer, more effective and add long-term value
  
• Communicate effectively (oral, written, electronic) including technical mentorship
  
• Bring positive energy and enthusiasm to every challenge and inspire people to excel and build trust in each other
  
• Become an investigator for SBIR/STTR projects and IRAD programs
  

Required Qualifications: 

• Master’s or Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Plasma Engineering, Material Science, or related field with education level commensurate with industrial work experience (entry-level vs. senior)
  
• Senior Positions with industrial work experience, e.g.:
  
  • Ph.D. with 5+ year’s industrial work
    
  • M.S. with 10+ years’ industrial work
    
• Solid background in at least one of:
  
  • RF/Microwave Electromagnetic Simulation, Antenna Design & Fabrication
    
  • High-Voltage Electronics & Switched-Mode Power Supply Design
    
  • Plasma Sources & Ion Beams, RF Accelerators
    
  • Thin-Film Material Deposition/Etch and Micro/Nanomaterials Analysis
    
• Proven ability to multitask (e.g. handle projects in both R&D prototyping environment and production facility)
  
• Ability to take initiative, assume responsibility and work independently
  
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills fluent in English (written and verbal), proficient with MS Office Software & Teams
  
• Flexible and willing to work with multiple functional groups within the company
  
• Passionate about technology and looking to apply that passion to a career
  

Desired Qualifications:  

• Minimum 3+ years’ work experiences
  
• Experience with DC/DC and AC/DC power electronics at kV levels, IGBT power conversion techniques, drivers, PWM control and power circuit modeling
  
• Comfortable in PCB circuit design, layout and BOM tools, such as Altium/KiCAD
  
• Analog/digital communications and controls 
  
• Experience with LDMOS or high-voltage GaN RF electronics, LCR design, noise immunity and simulations through LT SPICE (or equivalent)
  
• RF/microwave circuit, cavity and antenna design experience and/or 3D electromagnetic simulation experience using Sonnet, COMSOL, CST Microwave Studio or Ansys HFSS
  
• Experience with high power tube amplifiers and pulsed RF/microwave circuits
  
• Proficient with microwave test equipment, vector network analyzer, diagnostic tools, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings
  
• Comfortable interfacing with mechanical design, such as SolidWorks
  
• CNC mill, PCB fabrication, and fabrication experience in machine shop
  
• MCAD design experience to compliment ECAD background.
  
• Prior design or testing experience to meet UL, CAS, SEMI, IEC or CE standards.
  

Salary commensurate with experience. Immediate start date.
This position is restricted to U.S. Persons only.​

Send CV/resume and cover letter to [email protected]