Role: Plasma Scientist - Advanced Propulsion System

About Manastu

Manastu Space is a Space Safety and Logistics company focused on making space safe, sustainable, and accessible . We develop technologies to address critical challenges such as space debris mitigation and green propulsion , enabling safer satellite operations, and long-term sustainability of the space ecosystem.

Our work sits at the intersection of advanced engineering, applied research, and mission-critical systems , requiring deep technical capability and long-term thinking.

Website: https://www.manastuspace.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manastu-space/

Email: [email protected]

About the Role

We are looking for a Plasma Scientist – Advanced Propulsion Systems to drive the research, development, characterization and optimization of plasma-based electric propulsion technologies for space applications.

The role combines plasma physics, experimental diagnostics, numerical modelling, propulsion testing and system characterization . You will work closely with propulsion, electromagnetic design, simulation, electronics, materials and systems engineering teams to develop high-performance propulsion technologies for future spacecraft and satellite missions.

This is a highly hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys working across fundamental physics, simulation and experimental hardware .

Key Responsibilities

Plasma Physics & Propulsion

- Characterize and model E×B discharge physics , including electron magnetization, Hall current, cross-field electron transport and ionization efficiency.
- Establish the relationship between discharge characteristics and key propulsion parameters such as thrust, specific impulse and overall efficiency .
- Work with the electromagnetic design team to define magnetic field topology and discharge channel geometry .
- Develop and calibrate models for anomalous electron transport , including Bohm-type and near-wall conductivity effects.
- Model ion acceleration, beam energy, divergence and multiply charged ion fractions.




- Correlate theoretical and simulation predictions with experimental measurements.

Plasma–Material Interaction & Thruster Life
- Study plasma sheath physics and ion interaction with ceramic channel walls.
- Analyse sputtering and erosion mechanisms and their impact on thruster performance and lifetime.
- Develop erosion and life estimates against mission and qualification requirements.
- Support architecture decisions related to magnetic shielding, channel design and end-of-life criteria .
- Work with materials teams on the selection of plasma-facing materials based on sputtering yield, thermal properties and secondary-electron-emission behaviour.

Diagnostics, Simulation & Testing
- Design and execute plasma diagnostic campaigns using:
- Langmuir probes
- Faraday probes
- Retarding Potential Analysers (RPA)
- E×B probes
- Characterize plasma density, electron temperature, ion energy distribution and charge-state fractions.
- Guide and interpret hybrid-PIC, fluid or particle-based plasma simulations .
- Correlate simulation results with thrust-stand and experimental data.
- Support vacuum test campaigns, including facility-effect corrections and performance mapping.
- Conduct and interpret erosion measurements and translate findings into design improvements.

Cross-Functional Physics Ownership
- Collaborate with propulsion, electromagnetic, materials, thermal, electronics, simulation and testing teams .
- Provide physics-based inputs for propulsion architecture and design decisions.
- Identify and resolve physics inconsistencies before they translate into hardware or performance issues.
- Contribute to technical reviews,



experimental planning and propulsion development strategies.

Education & Experience

Required

Option 1

- Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering , or a closely related field with a robust plasma-physics research focus.

OR

Option 2

- M.Tech / Master's degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in plasma physics, plasma processing, electric propulsion or a closely related field.

Preferred
- Direct experience working with electric propulsion systems , particularly Hall-effect or E×B propulsion.
- Strong understanding of plasma physics and discharge phenomena.
- Experience with experimental plasma diagnostics and vacuum-based testing.
- Experience translating experimental results into engineering and design decisions.
- Exposure to spacecraft propulsion development or space-qualified hardware is an advantage.

Technical Skills

- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data reduction, probe analysis and modelling.
- Experience with or exposure to hybrid-PIC, fluid or particle-based plasma simulations .
- Familiarity with tools such as COMSOL, OOPIC, XOOPIC, Hall2De-class codes or equivalent in-house simulation tools is a plus.
- Working knowledge of vacuum systems and vacuum-compatible instrumentation .
- Strong experimental, troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

Why Join Manastu Space? At Manastu, you will have the opportunity to work on real propulsion technologies for space applications , where your research and engineering decisions can directly influence hardware and mission performance.

You will work across

Plasma Physics → Propulsion → Electromagnetics → Materials → Simulation → Testing → Space Systems

If you are excited by deep-tech problems, hands-on experimentation and building propulsion technologies for the next generation of spacecraft , we would love to hear from you.

📌 Plasma Scientist - Advanced Propulsion System (Mumbai)
🏢 Manastu Space
📍 Mumbai