Microwave Plasma Technologist

Ignite Next GmbH; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work pattern

33 days holiday

Pension from 4% matched

Volunteer days

Mental health support via Spill

Job summary

Space Forge is seeking a Microwave Plasma Technologist to join our Semiconductor team in a full-time hybrid role based in Cardiff with occasional travel to Swansea. You will design and optimize microwave plasma systems, model plasma behaviour, and develop experimental setups while collaborating with engineers and designers.

The role requires a strong background in plasma physics and RF design, with hands-on diagnostics experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on microwave systems and plasma diagnostics experience preferred.
• RF design experience essential.
• Experience with numerical modelling or simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise microwave plasma systems for materials and manufacturing.
• Model and simulate plasma behaviour generated by microwaves.
• Design and test experimental setups and diagnose results.
• Document methodologies and results and support IP submissions.

Skills

Plasma physics

Microwave systems design

RF design

Experimental setup

Numerical simulation

PhD/Experience

Education

PhD in Physics / EE / Mech / Materials

Tools

COMSOL

Job description

Space Forge is a fast-growing in-space manufacturing company. We are first and foremost a materials company, developing new compound semiconductor substrates. We do this onboard the world’s first returnable and re-launchable satellite platform, the ForgeStar. The ForgeStar can support a wide array of missions, from in-space manufacturing of new materials and microgravity research to planetary landing systems and deep space exploration.

We are looking to hire a Microwave Plasma Technologist to join our Semiconductor team. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Cardiff with occasional travel to our site in Swansea.

What will you do?

The role is to:

• Design, develop, and optimise microwave plasma systems for advanced materials and manufacturing applications.
• Modelling and simulating of plasma behaviour, generated by microwaves
• Designing and testing experimental setups
• Analysing performance data
• Optimising system design
• Conducting FTO and prepare IP submissions based on plasma development work

The Microwave Plasma Technologist will have a considerable amount of independence and will collaborate closely with engineers and designers to implement optimisations to our plasma technologies, troubleshoot technical challenges, and document methodologies and results. This pivotal role also involves staying current with emerging plasma technologies and contributing to continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Develop an accurate numerical model of the plasma/microwave system
• Complete the design and commissioning of the prototype plasma Chamber
• Complete the design and commissioning of the first CVD capable reactor
• Support iterative changes to the design as limits of the reactor are elucidated

Requirements

The range of skills we are looking for:

Technical skills:

• Strong foundation in plasma physics, electromagnetics, or related disciplines, with practical experience in microwave systems.
• Ideally experience of microwave plasma generation, but at least of design and development of microwave systems for industrial applications, e.g. heating
• RF design experience
• Hands-on skills in experimental setup and diagnostics for plasma or high-frequency systems
• Experience with numerical modelling or simulation tools (ideally COMSOL) for fields and plasmas
• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field; or a minimum of 5 years of relevant on the job experience

Soft skills:

• Hands-on experimental attitude
• Enthusiasm for R&D work
• Comfortable with hybrid work, but also occasional intense effort
• Ability to work safely with vacuum, and high-frequency equipment, following laboratory safety protocols and industry standards.

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are built for sustainability and moved out of the planet’s atmosphere, and products returned to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs.

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us.

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Friday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• Hybrid remote working possible with nominally 1-2 days per week onsite in Cardiff or Swansea and as required
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team
• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

Salary range for this role: £40,000 - £70,000 per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

Closing date is Monday 21st September 2026.