Vacuum Process Engineer

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 Materials Scientist, you will directly develop the technology used to improve vacuum performance that underpins our quantum sensor technology. You will research, test, and define materials, coatings, and getter strategies, and design and interpret experiments to ensure our systems reliably achieve and maintain ultra-high vacuum over extended timescales. The understanding and development of stable alkali vapour systems, including achieving long-term control of vapour pressure and compatibility within sealed environments, will be key. 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: * To improve vacuum quality and lifetime, including investigating appropriate materials, getters, gas permeation barriers, long-term sealing methods, and vacuum stability. * Develop alkali vapour systems, including ensuring stable and controllable rubidium operation under UHV conditions, and vapour cell environments. * Develop and apply modelling and simulation tools to predict vacuum performance, as needed. * Provide technical direction for experimental collaboration with other team members. * Carry out production coatings using established, optimised processes to deliver consistent and repeatable results, as needed.   Qualifications: Essential · PhD (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field * Strong expertise in vacuum-compatible materials, surface interactions, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and vacuum physics (outgassing, permeation, leak detection).   Desirable * Knowledge of thin-film getter coatings * Experience with alkali vapour systems (e.g. rubidium) and sealed environments * Proven ability to design experiments and analyse data to guide technical decisions. * 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.

Alten

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Summary The Principal Electronics Engineer will be responsible for the research, analysis, design, development, testing, debugging and modification of electronics equipment such as VFMDs (Variable Frequency Motor Drives) for vacuum generators and air compressors (ACIM/BLDC), AC/DC Power Converters (3-Φ), 28V DC Valve Controllers, and W&W System Controllers for the commercial aerospace industry. The Principal Electronics Engineer will take ownership and/or support technical engineering teams and projects related to W&W System Components. Using sound engineering principles, this engineer will interface with cross-functional groups (internal and external) to ensure robust, airworthy designs are attained which meet budget, schedule and internal requirements and goals. This leadership position will be responsible for participating in and leading improvement activities at a group and/or company level. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Analyze customer requirements and validate them by analysis/modeling/prototyping or based on previous product performance * Create and maintain hardware requirements specification and hardware interface control documents * Performs SPICE analysis of circuits using Altium/OrCAD PSPICE  tools * Performs analysis and MATLAB/Simulink modeling to generate control algorithms * Analyze and designs magnetics for EMI filter, boost/buck inductors and other input/output filters * Performs component selection & obsolescence management * Performs circuit design and schematic capture using Altium/OrCAD tools * Creates hardware design document that covers design analysis, notes, and specific guidelines followed * Provides inputs to PCB layout design * Performs worst case load analysis (DC Load Analysis) on the circuit designs * Performs component derating and thermal analysis * Performance design performance margin analysis * Performs PCB board bring-up per the circuit design * Creates PCB board level functional test procedures per circuit functional blocks * Creates design verification test procedure (DVTP) document * Performs electronics hardware testing to make sure that requirements are met and generate test reports (DVTR) * Independently finds or creates solutions to problems requiring research, resourcefulness and creativity * Understands, follows, and promotes, ZWWS policies and procedures * Review and process engineering changes in the development of water and waste systems and equipment * Review, process and recommend engineering changes in the development of W&W equipment * Utilizes sound technical problem solving to own or support ongoing and new products * Follows sound engineering principles to ensure designs meet airworthiness standards, customer requirements and ZWWS internal standards * Perform research and/or testing for new development * Present technical findings and trade studies * Assesses and creates standard work and leads or support improvement projects (group or company level) * Independently owns, or leads a team for small/medium size projects.  * Able to review, check and approve work done by peers and lower level engineers. * Provides guidance and training to lower level engineers. * Understands how various groups (engineering, industrialization, operations) work together and able to navigate through the company. * Able to interface with existing suppliers and OEM customers * May Interface with new suppliers and OEM customers * Approve, review, and process any engineering changes and data produced in functional group * Utilizes sound technical problem solving to lead ongoing and new projects * Perform research and/or testing for new development * Present technical findings and trade studies * Follows sound engineering principles to ensure designs meet airworthiness standards, customer requirements and ZWWS internal standards * Provides mentoring, guidance and training to lower level engineers * Assesses and creates standard work and leads or support improvement projects (group or company level) * Interfaces with various groups (internal and external) to support new business and bring projects to completion   Salary Range: $140,000-$160,000/K The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Alten

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Summary The Sr. Electronics Engineer will be responsible for the research, analysis, design, development, testing, debugging and modification of electronics equipment such as VFMDs (Variable Frequency Motor Drives) for vacuum generators and air compressors (ACIM/BLDC), AC/DC Power Converters (3-Φ), 28V DC Valve Controllers, and W&W System Controllers for the commercial aerospace industry. The Sr. Electronics Engineer will take ownership and/or support technical engineering teams and projects related to W&W System Components. Using sound engineering principles, this engineer will interface with cross-functional groups (internal and external) to ensure robust, airworthy designs are attained, which meet budget, schedule, and internal requirements and goals. This leadership position will be responsible for participating in and leading improvement activities at a group and/or company level. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Analyze customer requirements and validate them by analysis/modeling/prototyping or based on previous product performance * Create and maintain hardware requirements specification and hardware interface control documents * Performs SPICE analysis of circuits using Altium/OrCAD PSPICE  tools * Performs analysis and MATLAB/Simulink modeling to generate control algorithms * Analyze and designs magnetics for EMI filter, boost/buck inductors and other input/output filters * Performs component selection & obsolescence management * Performs circuit design and schematic capture using Altium/OrCAD tools * Creates hardware design document that covers design analysis, notes, and specific guidelines followed * Provides inputs to PCB layout design * Performs worst case load analysis (DC Load Analysis) on the circuit designs * Performs component derating and thermal analysis * Performance design performance margin analysis * Performs PCB board bring-up per the circuit design * Creates PCB board level functional test procedures per circuit functional blocks * Creates design verification test procedure (DVTP) document * Performs electronics hardware testing to make sure that requirements are met and generate test reports (DVTR) * Independently finds or creates solutions to problems requiring research, resourcefulness and creativity * Understands, follows, and promotes, ZWWS policies and procedures * Review and process engineering changes in the development of water and waste systems and equipment * Review, process and recommend engineering changes in the development of W&W equipment * Utilizes sound technical problem solving to own or support ongoing and new products * Follows sound engineering principles to ensure designs meet airworthiness standards, customer requirements and ZWWS internal standards * Perform research and/or testing for new development * Present technical findings and trade studies * Assesses and creates standard work and leads or support improvement projects (group or company level) * Independently owns, or leads a team for small/medium size projects.  * Able to review, check and approve work done by peers and lower level engineers. * Provides guidance and training to lower level engineers. * Understands how various groups (engineering, industrialization, operations) work together and able to navigate through the company. * Able to interface with existing suppliers and OEM customers * May Interface with new suppliers and OEM customers Competencies * Analysis/Modeling Skills – Ability to use electrical circuit simulation tools such as PSPICE and system level simulation tools such as PSIM/MATLAB/Simulink. * Design – Experience in analog and digital control systems and applications. Superior design skills in DC-DC converter, Active Rectifiers, Gate Drives, Voltage/Current Sensor Circuit designs, EMI filter designs. * Hands on experience – Using design/simulation tools such as Altium/OrCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, PSPICE etc. and test  equipment such as programmable power supplies, high speed digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers etc. * Protocols –  Design level understanding of communication protocols such as CAN, ARINC, SPI,  RS-232 etc., * Standards – Experience in applying aerospace regulations such as RTCA/DO-160 and RTCA/DO-254 guidelines to electronics designs * Knowledge in major aerospace OEM electronics design guidelines * Design & develop instrumentation capabilities for product electrical parameter characterization and validation * Interpersonal Skills – Possess a strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Ability to communicate, ability to work in a team environment.  Ability to provide leadership to other members of the engineering team  Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from a recognized ABET accredited institution or equivalent * 5 + years of electronics experience with a desire for mixed signal design experience * Physical Demands – While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to move around the office. * Travel – Periodical travel is minimal and may be 5-10 days per quarter. Salary Range: $125,000-$145,000/K The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.