Head of Research & Development (M/F)

ThrustMe; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space sector startup in the UK is seeking a Head of Research & Development. You will manage the innovation team, drive R&D activities, and develop new concepts for future products. Ideal candidates have a PhD in related fields and expertise in plasma physics. Join a passionate team that values innovation and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of engineering and space propulsion subjects.
• Ability to motivate, work autonomously and proactively.
• Strong technical writing and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Managing the Innovation team.
• Being responsible for the research and development activities.
• Developing new concepts and validating them experimentally.

Skills

R&D in applied physics

Leadership skills

Agile management understanding

Expertise in plasma physics

Complex systems understanding

Prototyping skills

Technical writing skills

Soft skills: conflict management

Education

PhD in applied physics or plasma physics

Master’s degree (considered)

Job description

Head of Research & Development (M/F)

ThrustMe is a fast-growing startup in the space sector, founded in 2017. We are experts in satellite space propulsion, pioneering the field of in-orbit propulsion for the rising satellite constellation paradigm.

Are you passionate about technology? Do you know how most things are built, from a printer to a space probe? Are you ready to take the risk of making the unthinkable? You are not scared of being the best? Do you know how to manage small diverse team?

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Managing the Innovation team
• Being responsible for the research and development activities
• Developing new concepts to be used in future and existing products, and validating them experimentally
• Continuous technology transfer to the product development team
• Handling most of the experimental activities in the company
• Creating and protecting company IP
• Keeping the company heritage regarding core technologies
• Interacting with other tech units (development, support and production) and business development unit

Required skills and qualifications:

• Solid track record of r&d in the applied physics, plasma physics or propulsion domains
• Strong leadership skills, ability to setup team-work and efficient brainstorming
• Basic understanding of agile management
• PhD in applied physics, plasma physics is good to have. Master’s degree can be considered
• Solid understanding of complex systems, with good knowledge of engineering and space propulsion subjects
• Expertise in plasma physics
• Good understanding of both power and signal electronics
• Prototyping skills
• Ability to motivate, work autonomously and proactively
• Technical writing and reporting skills
• Soft skills: conflict management, being passionate

We understand that no candidate is likely to meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the opportunity and have most of the skills we're looking for, we encourage you to apply!

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.