Vacuum & Gas Dynamics Scientist

The scientific responsibility

Determine whether residual gas can account for a small force. Design the pressure environment around the actual artifact budget and owned laboratory infrastructure.

Technical depth we are looking for

Vacuum design; pumping conductance; leak detection; outgassing; pressure metrology; molecular flow; gas-surface interactions.

We expect research-level command of the relevant physics and methods, plus the ability to explain assumptions to adjacent specialists. A doctorate or equivalent demonstrated achievement is appropriate; the evidence of your work matters more than a particular institution.

Evidence to bring

A vacuum system you commissioned with pressure histories, contamination controls and a quantitative explanation of its limiting background.

Provide public or authorized links and distinguish your individual contribution from the team’s work. Include a failure, correction or negative result that improved your judgment. Do not send confidential material.

Your first design assignment

Create a pressure-sweep and pump-state test plan that separates gas-related force from pump vibration and temperature changes.

This is a proposed priority after appointment, not an unpaid application assignment. The exact scope follows funding, access to appropriate facilities and an agreed work plan.

The failure mode you must be able to expose

Interpreting a pressure trend without checking gauge location, temperature, composition or mechanical coupling from the pump.

A concrete first deliverable

A chamber specification, pumping/isolation plan, materials list and gas-artifact acceptance criteria.

Acceptance should be based on inspectable records, stated limitations and independent technical review. A positive propulsion result is not a prerequisite for useful scientific work.

A question for our technical conversation

How will you distinguish a pressure-dependent force from a pressure-dependent instrument response?

Appointment and compensation

This is a proposed capability profile within the founding priorities. Selected full-time founding appointments are proposed at USD $1M starting annual base salary with a USD $10M+ milestone bonus opportunity, subject to secured funding and signed terms. Location, benefits, start date and exact scope remain to be agreed. Read the complete compensation framework.