Plasma Scientist - Advanced Propulsion System

Job description

Role: Plasma Scientist - Advanced Propulsion System About Manastu Manastu Space is a Space Safety and Logistics company focused on making space safe, sustainable, and accessible . We develop technologies to address critical challenges such as space debris mitigation and green propulsion , enabling safer satellite operations, and long-term sustainability of the space ecosystem. Our work sits at the intersection of advanced engineering, applied research, and mission-critical systems , requiring deep technical capability and long-term thinking. Website: https://www.manastuspace.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manastu-space/ Email: careers@manastuspace.com About the Role We are looking for a Plasma Scientist – Advanced Propulsion Systems to drive the research, development, characterization and optimization of plasma-based electric propulsion technologies for space applications. The role combines plasma physics, experimental diagnostics, numerical modelling, propulsion testing and system characterization . You will work closely with propulsion, electromagnetic design, simulation, electronics, materials and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance propulsion technologies for future spacecraft and satellite missions. This is a highly hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys working across fundamental physics, simulation and experimental hardware . Key Responsibilities Plasma Physics & Propulsion • Characterize and model E×B discharge physics , including electron magnetization, Hall current, cross-field electron transport and ionization efficiency. • Establish the relationship between discharge characteristics and key propulsion parameters such as thrust, specific impulse and overall efficiency . • Work with the electromagnetic design team to define magnetic field topology and discharge channel geometry . • Develop and calibrate models for anomalous electron transport , including Bohm-type and near-wall conductivity effects. • Model ion acceleration, beam energy, divergence and multiply charged ion fractions. • Correlate theoretical and simulation predictions with experimental measurements. Plasma–Material Interaction & Thruster Life • Study plasma sheath physics and ion interaction with ceramic channel walls. • Analyse sputtering and erosion mechanisms and their impact on thruster performance and lifetime. • Develop erosion and life estimates against mission and qualification requirements. • Support architecture decisions related to magnetic shielding, channel design and end-of-life criteria . • Work with materials teams on the selection of plasma-facing materials based on sputtering yield, thermal properties and secondary-electron-emission behaviour. Diagnostics, Simulation & Testing • Design and execute plasma diagnostic campaigns using: • Langmuir probes • Faraday probes • Retarding Potential Analysers (RPA) • E×B probes • Characterize plasma density, electron temperature, ion energy distribution and charge-state fractions. • Guide and interpret hybrid-PIC, fluid or particle-based plasma simulations . • Correlate simulation results with thrust-stand and experimental data. • Support vacuum test campaigns, including facility-effect corrections and performance mapping. • Conduct and interpret erosion measurements and translate findings into design improvements. Cross-Functional Physics Ownership • Collaborate with propulsion, electromagnetic, materials, thermal, electronics, simulation and testing teams . • Provide physics-based inputs for propulsion architecture and design decisions. • Identify and resolve physics inconsistencies before they translate into hardware or performance issues. • Contribute to technical reviews, experimental planning and propulsion development strategies. Education & Experience Required Option 1 • Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering , or a closely related field with a strong plasma-physics research focus. OR Option 2 • M.Tech / Master's degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. • 5+ years of hands-on experience in plasma physics, plasma processing, electric propulsion or a closely related field. Preferred • Direct experience working with electric propulsion systems , particularly Hall-effect or E×B propulsion. • Strong understanding of plasma physics and discharge phenomena. • Experience with experimental plasma diagnostics and vacuum-based testing. • Experience translating experimental results into engineering and design decisions. • Exposure to spacecraft propulsion development or space-qualified hardware is an advantage. Technical Skills • Strong quantitative and analytical skills. • Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data reduction, probe analysis and modelling. • Experience with or exposure to hybrid-PIC, fluid or particle-based plasma simulations . • Familiarity with tools such as COMSOL, OOPIC, XOOPIC, Hall2De-class codes or equivalent in-house simulation tools is a plus. • Working knowledge of vacuum systems and vacuum-compatible instrumentation . • Strong experimental, troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities. Why Join Manastu Space? At Manastu, you will have the opportunity to work on real propulsion technologies for space applications , where your research and engineering decisions can directly influence hardware and mission performance. You will work across: Plasma Physics → Propulsion → Electromagnetics → Materials → Simulation → Testing → Space Systems If you are excited by deep-tech problems, hands-on experimentation and building propulsion technologies for the next generation of spacecraft , we would love to hear from you.