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Excelitas is a global technology leader with more than 7,500 employees, focused on delivering market-driven solutions to fulfill the illumination, optical, detection and imaging needs of OEMs and end-users across the biomedical, semiconductor, industrial, consumer products, scientific, security, defense and aerospace sectors.
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Excelitas is looking to hire an R&D Manager (Team Leader) to join our team of leaders and innovators in our Gaithersburg, MD location!
We are looking for an experienced Plasma Physicist and R&D Team Leader to drive the development of microwave-driven plasma light sources and UV bulb technologies for advanced photonics and industrial applications. In this role, you will combine deep expertise in plasma physics and microwave engineering with hands-on laboratory work, simulation, and the leadership of a small engineering team.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
Team Leadership
• Lead a small team of engineers and technicians: assign project tasks, track progress, and ensure timely delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship on microwave and plasma projects, supporting the professional development of junior engineers.
• Participate in the hiring process for engineering roles within the team.
Plasma & Microwave System New Product Development
• Develop, model, and test microwave-driven plasma light sources and UV bulb technologies for photonics and industrial applications.
• Design and optimize plasma discharge systems for efficient ultraviolet generation, including bulb geometry, gas composition, pressure regimes, and microwave coupling structures.
• Develop and analyze electromagnetic and plasma simulations to optimize microwave coupling, plasma stability, and UV output efficiency.
Experimental Validation & Testing
• Perform experimental validation and laboratory testing of microwave plasma lamps, including power coupling efficiency, spectral output, thermal performance, and lifetime testing.
• Analyze results and translate findings into design improvements and product specifications.
Technical Collaboration & Support
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with internal and external teams to meet product performance, reliability, and cost targets.
• Provide technical support for plasma light source systems, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, and application-specific integration.
What Is Required for This Role
Education & Background
• PhD or MS in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in plasma discharge physics, microwave plasmas, or gas discharge lamps, preferably in R&D or product development environments.
• Previous experience leading a small R&D engineering team.
Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of microwave–plasma interaction, RF power coupling, and electromagnetic wave propagation.
• Experience with plasma diagnostics such as optical emission spectroscopy or RF/microwave measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with microwave resonant structures, RF power delivery systems, or cavity design for plasma generation.
• Proficiency with simulation tools for electromagnetic or plasma modeling (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent).
• Knowledge of UV light generation mechanisms, gas mixtures, and lamp materials used in high-intensity photonics applications.
Professional Skills
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills in plasma and photonics systems.
• Effective communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to fast-paced R&D environments.
Benefits are effective 1st day of employment.
Salary range is $130,000 - $140,000 depending on experience
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This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
Visa sponsorship is not available for any position at Excelitas
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Minorities/Females/Disability/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation
Excelitas is seeking leaders and innovators to join our global team!
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