Scientist, X-ray Optics

The USRA Science and Technology Institute (STI) is looking to fill a full time appointment for a hardware development scientist. The ideal candidate should have experience in the design, development and testing of X-ray optics and potentially in related areas such as modeling, simulations, ray tracing, thin film coatings, and metrology.

This position will work closely with personnel in the X-Ray Astronomy Group at MSFC, but will have the opportunity to lead various projects related to the fabrication of X-ray optics. The X-Ray Astronomy Group is involved in developing optics from formulation through to flight, and has a long and rich history related to the development, test and calibration, and flight of moderate to high angular resolution X-ray optics. Key missions that this Group is involved in include, but are not limited to, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, Spectrum Röntgen Gamma-Astronomical Röntgen Telescope – X-ray Concentrator (ART-XC), and the recently launched Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The Group is currently engaged in the development of multiple proposed missions and is working to develop X-ray optics for future strategic NASA missions, including the next Great Observatory for X-ray Astronomy.

The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Al is NASA’s premiere Center for the development and test of full-shell X-ray optics. MSFC’s facilities to support this work are substantial and have been continually augmented over the years. These include state of the art polishing machines, X-ray sources, detector systems, precision stages, and metrology instrumentation. MSFC is also home to two world-class X-ray Beamlines: the 500 meter X-ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) and the MSFC 100-m X-ray Beamline, which have been used for calibration of multiple X-ray and normal-incidence mirrors and telescope systems, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope.  

Several important core principles that the X-ray Group values include: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Discovery, Excellence, Inclusion, Trust, Enjoyment, Leadership, and Safety. We welcome individuals who share these values and who will contribute in meaningful ways to the Group’s Mission, which is to Provide profound insight into our view of the Universe through our ability to lead the World in the development, flight, and test of advanced X-ray optics; to enable future, impactful science missions; and inspire the next generation of astronomers.

The facilities for this position are located at the NASA Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), and at Marshall Space Flight Center located on the Redstone Arsenal. Huntsville recently ranked 3rd in the 2021 U.S. News and World Report’s best twenty- five places to live. U.S. Citizens and Foreign nationals with residency status (Green Card/Permanent Resident) are encouraged to apply.

Principle Goal: 

The continued development of sub-arcsecond angular resolution optics through full-shell replication techniques, post-figure correction development and implementation, and advanced metrology and testing.  

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop new techniques for fabricating and optimizing x-ray optics
• Generate computer models and simulations of new and existing x-ray missions and potential payload elements for spaceflight, as well as developing similar models for spin-off applications outside the field of x-ray astronomy 
• Perform optical design and ray tracing activities to facilitate the development of new and existing X-ray mission concepts
• Design, manufacture, calibration, testing and assembly of prototypes, flight hardware and other x-ray optics via metrology measurements and methods, as well as other commonly used tools and methods in the field
• Assist with coating studies and optimizing their performance
• Contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications, proposals, and/or conference presentations
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications: 

Education:  

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline       

Experience:  

• > 2 years of post-graduate experience

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Experience working in a physics laboratory
• X-ray Optics (design, fabrication, modeling, testing)
• Electroforming
• Thin film 
• Computer Modeling 
• X-ray generating systems and radioisotopes
• Vacuum Systems 
• Vacuum Deposition Systems
• X-ray and/or Optical Metrology
• X-ray Astronomy
• Understanding of mechanical and optical properties of materials
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical)
• Able to conduct independent research

Technology:

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), its applications and image processing software.
• Proficient in the use of COMSOL or other modeling programs (Zemax, CodeV, etc.)
• Knowledge of LabView, IDL, or Python considered a plus.
• Knowledge of electronic equipment, computer hardware and software, including applications.
• Knowledge of X-ray equipment and handling radio-isotopes
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions: 

This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This is largely a sedentary role.  However, the employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  This role also involves adhering to safety standards and practices for operating in the laboratory environment.

Telecommute: 

Position is not eligible for telecommuting.

Travel: 

Up to 10% travel.
 

Applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vita. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu. 

If you are not vaccinated, please consider getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Recruiter for further information.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.