R&D Physicist

Destinus SA; Payerne; Vor Ort; CHF 110.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Destinus is building advanced propulsion and pyrotechnic diagnostics in Switzerland, seeking an Experimental Physics Engineer to design, build, and operate test rigs that convert raw physical phenomena into reliable data.

You will own setups from concept to routine operation, selecting lasers, optics, sensors, electronics, and data acquisition systems to characterize propulsion-related phenomena. Fluency in English is required; travel up to 20% across Destinus sites is anticipated.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in experimental physics, R&D, or diagnostics environment.
• Practical experience with optical and laser-based measurement techniques (e.g. interferometry, velocimetry, spectroscopy).
• Solid understanding of analog and digital electronics; wiring, debugging, and instrumenting test setups.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition, oscilloscopes, signal conditioning, and detector electronics.
• Proficiency in data analysis with Python, or equivalent.
• Experience with PCB design is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Design, build, commission, and research and development rigs to characterize physical phenomena.
• Select, integrate, and align optical and laser-based measurement systems with detection electronics.
• Develop and integrate sensor, signal conditioning, and high-speed data acquisition chains.
• Build and debug custom electronics or interface boards for experiments.
• Define test plans, calibration procedures, and data analysis methods for each campaign.
• Operate R&D setups during test campaigns, including diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Analyze experimental data and correlate results with models or predictions.
• Document experiments, procedures, and results for design decisions and qualification work.
• Collaborate with propulsion, pyrotechnics, structures, and test teams to translate questions into approach.

Kenntnisse

Python

Data analysis

Optical measurement techniques

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Physics or related discipline

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Data acquisition systems

PCB design

Jobbeschreibung

At Destinus, advancing solid rocket motor and pyrotechnic technology means measuring what others can’t — velocities, pressures, and dynamic phenomena that unfold in microseconds. As we scale our R&D and qualification capabilities, we’re building up our experimental diagnostics capability in-house. We’re looking for an Experimental Physics Engineer who can design, build, and operate the test rigs that turn raw physical phenomena into trustworthy engineering data.

You’ll own experimental setups from concept through commissioning to routine operation — selecting and integrating lasers, optics, sensors, electronics, and data acquisition systems to characterize physical behavior relevant to our propulsion and pyrotechnic components. You’ll work closely with our propulsion, pyrotechnics, structures, and test teams to translate engineering questions into the right experimental approach.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, commission, and research and development rigs to characterize physical phenomena (e.g. velocity, pressure, shock, temperature, optical behavior)
• Select, integrate, and align optical and laser-based measurement systems together with the associated detection electronics
• Develop and integrate sensor, signal conditioning, and high-speed data acquisition chains
• Build and debug custom electronics or interface boards as required by specific experiments
• Define test plans, calibration procedures, and data analysis methods for each measurement campaign
• Operate R&D setups during test campaigns, including diagnostics, troubleshooting, and on-the-fly adjustments
• Analyse experimental data and correlate results with physical models or engineering predictions
• Document experiments, procedures, and results with the rigor needed for design decisions and qualification work
• Collaborate with propulsion, pyrotechnics, structures, and test teams to translate engineering questions into the right experimental approach

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in an experimental physics, R&D, or diagnostics environment (industry, applied research lab, or equivalent)
• Practical experience with optical and laser-based measurement techniques (e.g. interferometry, velocimetry, spectroscopy, or similar)
• Solid understanding of analog and digital electronics; comfortable wiring, debugging, and instrumenting test setups
• Experience with high‑speed data acquisition, oscilloscopes, signal conditioning, and detector electronics
• Proficiency in data analysis with Python, or equivalent
• Experience with PCB & Electronics design is a plus
• Hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset, the kind of person who builds the rig rather than waiting for one
• Structured approach to test planning, calibration, and uncertainty quantification
• Good documentation discipline and ability to work safely in a lab and test environment
• Strong communication skills and comfort working in a cross‑functional, fast‑moving team
• Willingness to travel to different Destinus sites in Switzerland (max. 20%)
• Fluency in English required; German or French is a plus