Vacuum Materials Scientist

Aquark Technologies

Description: Aquark Technologies is a start-up with a vision to create disruptive technology in sensing and quantum computing by delivering the world’s most portable, scalable and high performing miniaturised cold atom systems. As a Vacuum Process Engineer, you will be responsible for translating vacuum concepts into robust, repeatable, and scalable fabrication processes for miniaturised vacuum systems and miniaturised vapour cells. You will design and implement bonding, sealing, and assembly techniques, ensuring they are reproducible and suitable for future manufacturing. This role sits within a research programme (funded by UKRI FLF) to transform traditional vacuum hardware into compact, robust, and scalable platforms, enabling a shift from bespoke laboratory setups to manufacturable, off-the-shelf solutions. Working at the intersection of vacuum science, materials engineering, and microfabrication within a fast-paced startup environment, you will collaborate with a driven team to deliver innovative, high-impact technologies while contributing to the growth of a dynamic and evolving company. Responsibilities: * Develop miniaturised vapour and UHV cells using microfabrication techniques, including integration of alkali sources and hermetic sealing processes. * Fabricate chambers using MEMS techniques, including testing innovations with active pumping and passive pumping. * Support, as needed, the modelling of sealing and fabrication processes, ensuring simulation inputs reflect realistic geometries, materials, and manufacturing constraints. * Train other staff as needed. Qualifications: Essential * Degree (BSc/MSc/PhD or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field * Experience with vacuum system design, assembly, and operation (high vacuum or UHV) * Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in building, assembling, or prototyping mechanical systems. * Strong understanding of vacuum-compatible materials and sealing techniques Desirable * Experience with microfabrication or precision manufacturing processes (e.g. bonding, MEMS, wafer-level techniques) * Knowledge of hermetic sealing methods (e.g. anodic bonding, thermocompression, brazing, laser welding) * Proficiency in data analysis, modelling, or automation desired. * Familiarity with alkali vapour cells * Ability to work independently, problem-solve, demonstrate initiative, and engage in continuous learning to adopt new skills. * Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines in a fast-paced R&D environment Renumeration: * Total salary and bonus up to: £46,000 to £72,000 (salary dependent on experience) * Base salary: £39,428.57 to £61,714.29 * Company Milestone Bonus Scheme, up to: £6,571.43 to £10,285.71 (2x £3,285.71 to £5,142.86 payments). * Full earnings pension contribution: * Employer contribution – 3% * Employee contribution – 4% * Relief at source – 1% Other Benefits: * Private Medical Insurance. * Group Life Insurance. * Employee Assistance Programme. * 26 Days of holiday + Public holidays. * Flexibility around core hours. * Regular company outings, team building and training opportunities. * Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice. * Encouraged learning to continue professional development.

European Spallation Source ERIC

The European Spallation Source (ESS) will soon be the world’s most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.   About the role   Within the Science Directorate, the Scientific Support Division provides the ESS neutron science program with experimental support including sample environments, user laboratories, deuteration, and hall coordination in close collaboration with Instrument Divisions.   The Sample Environment group at ESS is preparing to support all ESS neutron instruments by developing, assembling and integrating a broad range of specialized equipment for achieving both very low and very high temperatures, high magnetic fields, high pressure, vacuum, gas or liquid flow, lasers, and in many cases, automated systems. Once ESS transitions into operations in early 2027, we will provide operational support for all sample environments on the instruments in close collaboration with scientists, as well as continuing the development of new sample environments. We are now seeking a Sample Environment Engineer to support the development, commissioning and the operations of high temperature furnaces, as well as related gas handling and pressurized gas systems. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering sample environment projects in these areas, working in close collaboration with other members of the Sample environment group as well as academic research groups to develop new equipment and provide operational support for early science experiments at ESS. As part of this role, you will specifically develop new sample environments in collaboration with the universities participating in the ESS Early Science Initiative project “Sustainable and functional materials from local resources” funded by the Swedish Research Council. Day-to-day, you will: Specify, design, develop and procure equipment for high temperature/gas handling and pressurized sample environment systems. Work with academic researchers to develop technical specifications and propose solutions and designs to meet scientific requirements. Assemble, integrate and commission sample environments and associated equipment. Install, operate, maintain and repair high temperature/gas handling/pressurized systems and related equipment. Collaborate with ESS instrument teams and academic user groups to establish specifications and priorities for new high temperature/gas handling/pressurized systems. Provide operational sample environment support for the ESS instruments including on-call support. Provide expert experiment safety reviews for user proposals and carry out safety testing of user-supplied equipment. Collaborate with ESS instrument teams, users, and sample environment groups at other large-scale facilities to further develop high temperature/gas handling/pressurized sample environment equipment and technologies. Participate in the setting-up, maintenance and operation of the sample environment workshops and facilities. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for around 3 years based at ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden. About you   You have up to an MSc level degree in an engineering subject (e.g. mechanical, materials or metallurgical engineering) with relevance to this position, which focuses on the development and practical realization of high temperature and pressurized gas handling systems for scientific measurements. Previous experience of design as well as hands-on work experience with high-temperature equipment and gas handling/pressurised gas systems is required. You also have previous experience of mechanical assembly, maintenance and repairs, as well as relevant knowledge of material behavior at high temperatures and hazards involved in pressurized gas systems.   Experience of developing scientific or technical equipment involving controlling or monitoring temperature, mass, gas pressure or other experimental parameters would be considered particularly beneficial for this role. Experience with additional techniques including vacuum welding, brazing, wiring, light sheet metal work, and tube bending is also regarded as a merit, as are basic machining skills. Knowledge of control systems and programming would be an advantage, but not a requirement. You are accustomed to working with scientists as well as technicians to define and deliver projects and support operating equipment. You take as much pride in designing engineering solutions to meet scientific requirements as providing hands-on practical solutions to equipment problems, and approach all tasks with a collaborative, service-oriented mind-set. You are eager to learn new things, adapt quickly, and interested in contributing across a variety of tasks besides your core area of competence. A genuine interest in designing as well as building, repairing, or improving experimental equipment is vital. Prior work in a sample environment group or large-scale facility working with high temperature furnaces would be considered a merit, but is not essential. To apply:   A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.   If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. The last date for receiving applications is August 14th. For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Sofie Berg on sofie.berg@ess.eu or Hiring Manager Hanna Wacklin-Knecht on hanna.wacklin-knecht@ess.eu     For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link: https://europeanspallationsource.se/careersFor trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on Nerusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at Marc.Kickulies@ess.eu

Marvel Fusion

WHO WE ARE Founded in 2019, Marvel Fusion is Europe’s leading fusion energy company, uniting 75 scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across our locations in Munich and Colorado.  Backed by over €385 million in public and private funding, we’re driven by a shared mission: to deliver clean, abundant energy to the world.  WHY MARVEL FUSION By joining us, you will be: * Solving one of the most complex technological challenges known to humanity, harnessing Fusion on Earth * Part of a highly purpose-driven team working on providing the world with clean, safe and abundant energy * Working alongside world-leading scientists and entrepreneurs in the field of Fusion * Part of a start-up where growth on a company and individual level is the default THE IMPACT YOU WILL MAKE We are seeking an experienced and technically versatile Senior Experimental Engineer to lead the design, assembly, testing, and deployment of advanced diagnostics systems for ultrashort-pulse laser-matter interaction experiments. This role focuses on developing rugged, vacuum-compatible, and EMP-resilient spectrometers and detectors for ion, electron, neutron, and X/gamma-ray measurements in high-field experimental environments.   The ideal candidate will possess both strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and hands-on field experience, capable of transitioning experimental diagnostics into low production while ensuring compliance with international standards. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES * Design and development of mechanical systems for ion, electron, neutron, and X/gamma-ray diagnostics used in ultrafast laser experiments together with scientists. * Design in-vacuum electronics cooling systems * Experience with vacuum-compatible assemblies using Autodesk Inventor with emphasis on modularity, alignment, and maintenance * Integrate diagnostic systems in harsh environments with strong EMP and electromagnetic interference; develop mechanical shielding, cooling and isolation strategies. * Select UHV-compatible materials, components, and sealing methods for use in experimental vacuum chambers. * Support assembly, alignment, and field deployment of diagnostic devices at remote experimental facilities. * Collaborate closely with physicists, electrical engineers, and systems integrators to ensure diagnostic compatibility with laser systems and target chambers. * Conduct structural, thermal, and mechanical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics * Create ISO/DIN/CE-compliant documentation, including technical drawings, BOMs, risk assessments, and safety documentation. WHAT YOU BRING * B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or a closely related discipline with 5+ years of industry experience * Demonstrated experience designing and building precision mechanical systems for high-energy laser experiments or similar research environments * Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor for mechanical design * Hands-on experience with vacuum-compatible systems and UHV materials * Strong understanding of Cooling systems for in-vacuum electronics * Familiarity with ISO, DIN, and CE standards relevant to mechanical safety, manufacturing, and system integration * Ability to work independently in both lab and remote deployment settings with minimal supervision * Strong communication skills and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset WHAT SETS YOU APART * Experience deploying diagnostics in high-intensity laser facilities or similar environments * Familiarity with spectrometer types such as Thomson parabola, time-of-flight systems, or scintillator-based detectors * Proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics and experience with Geant4, OpenFoam, or other physics codes for shielding and system interaction modeling * Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) practices * Prior involvement in transitioning experimental hardware into low manufacturing quantities   WHAT WE OFFER Our mission is motivation enough for many. But we also support our team with benefits that foster wellbeing and growth:  * Public transport reimbursement  * EGYM Wellpass fitness club access  * Complimentary health insurance  * Professional development support  * Company pension plan * Healthy office snacks  For more information on how we process your application data, please review our privacy notice.