Plasma Research Engineer – Space Research Technology
Location: Martigny, Switzerland
Company Overview:
INAUTALENT is supporting the International Space Federation (ISF), a pioneering R&D organization based in Cluses (French Alps), in strengthening its team in Switzerland.
ISF is at the forefront of research on gravity-control propulsion and quantum-vacuum energy, aiming at clean and sustainable energy solutions. Through international academic partnerships, ISF pushes the boundaries of fundamental physics to transform energy production and transportation while addressing global ecological challenges.
The organization operates at the intersection of relativity and quantum mechanics, exploring technologies that could redefine our understanding of the universe. Its mission: turning bold scientific concepts into tangible technologies capable of changing the world.
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Plasma Research Engineer to lead the establishment and operation of our dedicated cold plasma laboratory. This role is strongly hands-on and focuses on designing, building, and running experiments aimed at generating and manipulating non-thermal (cold) plasma using high-voltage pulsating discharges, laser-assisted techniques, custom gas mixtures, and rotating electromagnetic fields.
The position requires a deep understanding of plasma physics combined with practical engineering skills, creativity in experimental design, and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into measurable phenomena.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, equip, and commission a complete cold plasma laboratory, including:
- high-voltage power supplies
- laser systems
- gas handling infrastructure
- vacuum/glass containment setups
- diagnostic tools
- safety systems
- Develop and optimize reliable methods for generating stable cold plasma using high-voltage pulsating signals, laser triggering/combination techniques, and tailored in-house gas mixtures.
- Perform advanced experiments involving the manipulation of cold plasma (including spinning or structured plasma using rotating electromagnetic fields) and measure key plasma parameters (temperature, density, electrical characteristics, optical emissions, etc.).
- Design and implement resonant circuits and analog electronic drivers to efficiently excite and control plasma discharges.
- Analyze experimental data, identify underlying physical mechanisms, iterate on experimental setups, and propose next-step experiments in close collaboration with the physics and engineering teams.
- Ensure all laboratory work adheres to strict safety protocols and regulatory standards for high-voltage and plasma systems.
- Document procedures, results, and findings to support internal knowledge sharing and potential intellectual property development.
Requirements
Required Profile:
Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- 7+ years of hands-on experimental experience in cold/non-thermal plasma generation and characterization (DBD, RF, microwave, pulsed discharge, or similar techniques).
- Practical knowledge of high-voltage pulsating power systems and associated analog electronics for plasma excitation.
- Understanding of resonant circuits and impedance matching techniques relevant to plasma discharges.
- Proven ability to independently design, build, troubleshoot, and operate complex physics experiments.
- Strong safety awareness when working with high voltages, vacuum systems, lasers, and reactive gases.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience in cold plasma generation using high-voltage or laser techniques.
- Experience with custom gas mixture preparation, controlled gas handling, and glass/quartz discharge vessels.
- Familiarity with rotating magnetic/electromagnetic field generation and its application to plasma confinement or manipulation.
- Experience in setting up or managing a plasma physics laboratory from the ground up.
- Proficiency with plasma diagnostics (Langmuir probes, optical emission spectroscopy, electrical probes, high-speed imaging, etc.).
- Data analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
You are a hands-on experimentalist who enjoys building setups, adjusting parameters, and chasing unexpected physical phenomena. You combine a strong theoretical understanding of low-temperature plasma physics with practical engineering intuition. You thrive in autonomous, open-ended research while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Curiosity, persistence, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for discovering new ways to harness plasma for energy applications drive you.
Benefits
High degree of flexibility and autonomy in organizing your work.
- Opportunity to contribute to paradigm-shifting physics and technology at the frontier of energy research.
- Clear pathways for professional growth and leadership within an innovative R&D environment.