RF Plasma Engineer

Viridian Space Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridian Space Corporation in El Segundo, CA seeks an RF Plasma Engineer to design, prototype, and test RF plasma sources for a flight-ready propulsion system. You will optimize the source for air operation and evolve it into an electron source (cathode) while maximizing current and efficiency.

You'll collaborate with the Electrical Engineer on control electronics and participate in rapid iterations to reach flight qualification, embracing a hands-on, tinkering mindset.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with design/build/test of RF plasmas.
• Understanding of RF safety principles.
• Experience with RF plasma thrusters is a plus.
• Strong foundation in plasma waves physics helps.
• Experience with RF test equipment and lab safety.
• Ability to design and build flight hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, create and test an RF plasma source.
• Optimize the source for operation on air.
• Develop the plasma source into an electron source (cathode).
• Maximize extracted current and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Electrical Engineer on control electronics.

Skills

RF plasmas

RF safety

RF equipment

Flight hardware

Design/build/test

Team collaboration

Tools

RF test equipment

Job description

Viridian Space Corporation is an early-stage, space technology start-up located in El Segundo (Los Angeles), California. Viridian’s mission is to commercialize a new generation of agile, refuellable satellites and to unlock commercial access to Very Low Earth Orbits, far below where traditional Low Earth Orbit satellites fly. We are looking for energetic and talented people to join our team to support hardware prototyping, culminating in the flight of our novel plasma propulsion system.

The Role

Here is what we expect an RF Plasma Engineer to do in the first year at the company (please don’t apply if you don’t feel comfortable doing any of these tasks):

• Design, create and test an RF plasma source
• Optimize the source for operation on air
• Evolve the plasma source into an electron source (cathode), maximizing extracted current and efficiency
• Perform rapid iteration to create a flight qualified version
• Work with our Electrical Engineer on the design and test of the Control Electronics

Essential skills

• You should have hands‑on experience with design/build/test of RF plasmas
• Understand RF safety
• RF plasma thruster experience is a plus

You must be very good at

• Strong foundation of plasma waves physics
• Working with RF equipment
• Designing and building flight hardware

You will love this job if

• You are a tinkerer
• You love making things with your hands
• You have self‑motivation to drive forward improvements as you see fit
• You enjoy working both independently and in a team‑oriented, collaborative environment
• You love finding solutions to problems
• You pay close attention to details
• Employee equity options

This position will require obtaining and maintaining DoD Secret clearance. Jobs restricted by these regulations are contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person and good standing with the law.