Senior R&D Engineer Advanced Electromagnetic Propulsion Systems

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

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 behaviors.

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.

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-utilized 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.