Numerical Physicist

Magdrive is looking to hire a numerical physicist to help develop a revolutionary, next-generation spacecraft propulsion system. The Magdrive propulsion system delivers an unmatched level of thrust with extraordinary efficiency that will unlock new capabilities for spacecraft and enable entirely new industries in satellite servicing, orbital assembly and interplanetary transport.
You will play a pivotal role as one of the first employees of Magdrive, which brings enhanced freedom, responsibility and potential for career growth. The solutions you develop will directly shape the development of the Magdrive propulsion system and have a significant impact on the future of space travel. You will be working to develop key simulation software to model the complex plasma physics and electromagnetic phenomenon inside the thruster. A strong analytical background is required to compare experimental data to simulations in order to optimize and improve the thruster design.

Job description and responsibilities

• Computational Physics: Developing highly parallel applications to solve physics problems with OOP C++, with a focus on the efficiency, performance and robustness of these applications.
• High Performance Computing: Development and deployment of software techniques and solutions, to enable exploitation of the power of modern hardware.
• Design Physics: Providing underpinning theoretical and modelling capabilities to enhance the understanding of complex physical processes. Benchmarking simulations against experimental data and other codes

Requirements
Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or other numerate discipline
Experience with OOP C++ and applying numerical modelling codes/tools to solve complex physics processes
Knowledge of good software development practices including the use of tools to support this purpose
Passion for space travel and for taking a bold approach to a transformational technology
Able to work independently and within a team to achieve common goals
Flexible, self-motivated and the ability to handle multiple tasks
Able to provide technical input within own field of expertise that can influence project, team or end user
Strong communication skills verbal and written

Nice to have

• PhD in computational plasma physics
• Experience of developing highly parallel codes with MPI (or OpenMP / Cuda)
• Optimization and the running of large scientific calculations and software testing experience
• Experience of working in Unix/Linux environment and with Python, Rust

Benefits

• Salary £40k - £50k per annum (DOE)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible and remote working
• Support for home office setup
• Generous share options scheme