Applied Hypersonics Research Principal Scientist/Engineer

Physical Sciences Inc.; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Physical Sciences Inc. in Andover, MA, seeks a Physical Chemist or Applied Physicist/Engineer to support programs simulating hypersonic flight and studying effects on materials and structures.

Candidate should have extensive hands-on experimental experience in high enthalpy flow, chemical kinetics, molecular beams, or spectroscopic simulations, with strong data analysis and a record of peer-reviewed work.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experimental background in high enthalpy flow, chemical kinetics, molecular beams, or spectroscopic simulations.
• Experience with plasma technologies and high enthalpy flow diagnostics.
• Strong data analysis and proven technical leadership with peer-reviewed publications.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics or applied engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental programs related to hypersonic flight environments and characterize material responses under extreme conditions.

Skills

High enthalpy flow

Chemical kinetics

Molecular beams

Spectroscopic simulations

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent experience in chemistry/physics/engineering

Tools

Schlieren diagnostics

Pitot probes

Calorimeter probes

Optical diagnostics

Job description

Article

2 minutes read

Share

Physical Sciences Inc., Located North Of Boston In Andover, MA, Is Seeking To Employ a Physical Chemist Or Applied Physicist/engineer To Support Expanding Opportunities In Programs Related To Simulating The Hypersonic Flight Environment In The Laboratory And Characterizing The Impact Of Hypersonic Flight On Materials And Structures. We Are Seeking Candidates With An Extensive Hands-on Experimental Background In One Or More Of The Following Areas

• High enthalpy flow: Generating and characterizing the effects of high enthalpy flow on materials and structures. Relevant technology experience in high pressure plasma generation, high enthalpy flow diagnostics (e.g. Schlieren, Pitot and calorimeter probes), materials effects (e.g. ablation rate, mechanical strength effects, etc.), vacuum systems, and/or optical diagnostics to characterize the high enthalpy flow environment including both active (e.g. laser absorption, PLIF, etc.) and passive (e.g. emission spectroscopy) techniques: UV - Long Wave IR.
• Chemical Kinetics: 1) Application of experimental methods to measure reaction rates and 2) Applying chemical kinetic analysis to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
• Molecular Beams: Crossed molecular beam experiments to characterize the products of hyperthermal interactions.
• Spectroscopic Simulations: Application of spectroscopic simulation tools to determine the molecular source of observed signatures

Prior experience with plasma technologies is preferred. Candidates should have an extensive background in performing experiments and analyzing data and have a strong record of technical leadership documented by a record of peer-reviewed technical publications. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are required. The successful applicant will join a team of scientists and engineers working on programs funded largely by US DoD contracts. Candidates should have an advanced degree or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics or applied engineering.

Additional Information

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• PSI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay Range:

The estimated annual base salary range for this role is $118K–$140K. The actual salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, education, and specialized skills.