Req #: 242399 Department: AERONAUTICS & ASTRONAUTICS Posting Date: 01/27/2025 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $7,466 - $13,694 per month Limited Recruitment: **Open to UW Employees only** Shift: First Shift Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701\_a11y.pdf) As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty. The Space Propulsion and Advanced Concepts Engineering in the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics has an opening for a **Research Scientist/Engineer 4** to conduct research related to inductive pulsed plasma thrusters for electric spacecraft propulsion applications. The positions major duties and responsibilities are: **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** Research and Development of an Air-Breathing Inductive Pulsed Plasma Thruster (AB-IPPT) Work independently to design and test various systems. Tasks include: + Design and implement new methods for delivering pulsed power to an inductive pulsed plasma thruster + Construct and test new thruster prototypes + Install and operate plasma diagnostics including RPAs, probes, and thrust stands + Generate and test hypotheses related to the physics of the AB-IPPT and their influence over device performance + Identify problems and related technical issue and recommend solutionsData Analysis and Report PreparationWork independently to analyze data and prepare reports. Tasks include: + Analysis of plasma diagnostic and thrust stand data to test hypotheses; determine what modifications and follow-up experiments are necessary to generate relevant data + Creation of PowerPoint slides containing key results + Contribute written analysis of experiment and data for reports to funding agency + Contribute data to papers being written for reports/publication + Prepare manuscripts for publication as lead author + Participate in lab meetings and meetings with funding agency + Contribute technical knowledge when initiating new projects to determine feasibility of goals and objectives + Contribute data and analyses for grant submissionsGeneral Lab Administration and Operations + Engage in tasks to maintain and fix equipment as needed. + Helps to maintain an organized lab. + Maintenance of accurate and organized records of data in the lab. **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS** + Master’s degree in a related field + Four years of relevant experience (Plasma Physics or Electrical Propulsion and Pulsed Power Systems), OR Equivalent combination of education/experience. **Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.** **ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS** + Excellent written and verbal skills + Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds + Ability and willingness to adhere to University, local and federal policies on environmental, health and safety and to complete all required safety training according to timelines set by the supervisor. + Ability to work collaboratively, respectfully and professionally with others. + Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and problem solving skills **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS** + Experience with CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks + Experience with vacuum systems and equipment + Experience with stepper motors and stepper motor controllers **Application Process:** The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.