Senior R&D Engineer Advanced Electromagnetic Propulsion Systems

Ytsab Defence AB; Upplands Väsby kommun; On-site; SEK 702,905 - 890,346; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary

Continuous professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Ytsab Defence AB in Upplands Väsby seeks a Senior R&D Engineer (Electromagnetic Propulsion) to lead advanced projects in electromagnetic launch systems. This role emphasizes mathematical modeling, simulation, and prototype development to solve complex propulsion challenges.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics or Electrical Engineering and extensive simulation experience. Enjoy cutting-edge projects and a competitive compensation package in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience with multi-physics simulation software focusing on transient electromagnetic fields.
• Knowledge of inductance acceleration, magnetic forces, and power electronics.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical frameworks and multi-physics models for inductance acceleration.
• Design and optimize multistage acceleration configurations.
• Integrate custom-engineered high-current pulsed-power coils.

Skills

Electromagnetic modelling

Multi-physics simulation software (COMSOL, Altair Flux, MATLAB)

Inductance acceleration knowledge

High-current switching expertise

Thermal management

Hands-on testing and safety with high-voltage hardware

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Senior R&D Engineer (Electromagnetic Propulsion) to lead the physical modelling, simulation, and experimental validation of a next-generation, multistage Electromagnetic Launch System.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between advanced physics theory and cutting-edge engineering. You will be responsible for defining the mathematical framework of inductance acceleration, optimizing pulsed-power efficiency, managing extreme thermal/mechanical stresses, and building physical prototypes to validate your models. If you thrive on solving highly complex, multi-physics problems and want to shape the future of high-velocity propulsion tech, this is your next challenge.

Core Responsibilities

1. Physics Modelling & Electromagnetic Analysis – Develop the fundamental mathematical frameworks and multi-physics models (electromagnetic, thermal, and material physics) to describe inductance acceleration and transient system behaviours. Investigate complex magnetic Lorentz forces, skin effects, and proximity effects acting on coils under high-frequency, time-varying currents. Utilize advanced simulation tools to analyse a large parameter space (coil geometry, shape, size, and turn count) to optimize magnetic field production and projectile acceleration.
2. Multistage System Architecture & Optimization – Design and analyse multistage acceleration configurations, defining the optimal number of stages, mutual stage interactions, and microsecond-level activation timing architectures. Optimize the stored-to-kinetic energy conversion efficiency by minimizing un-utilised magnetic flux, ohmic/resistive losses, and eddy current heating. Define the boundary conditions, switching requirements, pulse shapes, and power regulation dependencies for the electrical and control subsystems.
3. Component Design & System Integration – Collaborate with external project partners to integrate custom-engineered, high-current pulsed-power coils optimized for mechanical stability and thermal resilience. Oversee the concept design of specialized payloads to ensure seamless compatibility with the electromagnetic launch environment. Address system-level integration challenges arising from high-intensity electromagnetic fields on surrounding components.
4. Thermal Management & Power Control – Identify transient heat sources within the accelerator stages and propose highly effective thermal management and cooling solutions. Optimize the physical routing of the electrical power supply to the coil inductors to handle extreme stress environments.
5. Experimental Validation & Safety – Design, build, and operate an experimental test setup to validate simulation data, testing for acceleration efficiency, discharge pulse dynamics, and heat management. Conduct comprehensive safety analyses on high-voltage and high-energy electromagnetic components. Establish strict safety protocols and ensure total compliance with relevant electrical safety standards for pulsed-power operations.

Required Technical Skills & Experience

Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a highly related field with a focus on Electromagnetics.

Simulation Mastery: Extensive experience with multi-physics simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Altair Flux, or MATLAB/Simulink) focusing on transient electromagnetic fields.

Pulsed Power Expertise: Knowledge of inductance acceleration, magnetic forces, high-current switching, and power electronics.

Thermal & Mechanical Insight: Familiarity with managing thermal dissipation and mechanical stress in high-energy electrical systems.

Hands‑on Testing: Experience setting up laboratory diagnostics, high-speed data acquisition systems, and working safely with high-voltage hardware.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in advanced aerospace or defence R&D, specifically in coil gun, or linear induction motor technologies.
• Strong collaborative skills for working alongside external manufacturing and project partners.
• A meticulous approach to safety protocols and risk analysis.

What We Offer

• Cutting-Edge Projects: Work on a disruptive, first-of-its-kind electromagnetic technology program.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a highly collaborative environment alongside leading industry partners and academic experts.
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and continuous professional development paths.

Due to the nature of this project, applicants must be eligible to obtain the required national security clearances.

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