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Plasma Physicist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Plasma Physicist information

See Indiana salary details

$37.6K

$90.2K

$215.5K

How much do plasma physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for plasma physicist in Indiana is $90,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plasma physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plasma Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computational modeling, typically supported by a PhD in plasma physics or a related field. Familiarity with specialized simulation software, diagnostic instrumentation, and laboratory equipment such as tokamaks or plasma reactors is common. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective scientific communication are essential soft skills for success. Together, these skills enable Plasma Physicists to conduct complex experiments, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to advancements in research and technology.

What is a plasma physicist?

A Plasma Physicist studies ionized gases, known as plasmas, which are found in stars, fusion reactors, and various industrial applications. They conduct experiments, develop simulations, and apply theoretical models to understand plasma behavior. Their work is essential in advancing fusion energy, space physics, and technologies like plasma thrusters and semiconductor manufacturing. Plasma Physicists often work in research institutions, government labs, or private industry.

What kinds of research projects or experiments do plasma physicists typically work on?

Plasma Physicists commonly engage in experimental and theoretical research related to controlled fusion, space plasma phenomena, or plasma applications in material processing and medicine. Their work often involves designing and conducting experiments using advanced equipment such as magnetic confinement devices, lasers, or high-voltage systems. Collaboration with engineers, computational scientists, and other physicists is typical to analyze data and optimize experimental setups. Plasma Physicists also frequently present findings at conferences and publish in scientific journals, contributing to ongoing advancements in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Plasma Physicist jobs in Indiana? For Plasma Physicist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plasma Physicist jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Plasma Physicist jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Plasma Physicist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,213 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Modeling & Simulation Engineer - Junior

Iron Will Ventures

Crane, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary:

About IWV

Iron Will Ventures is a cleared defense small business supporting the nation's highest-priority hypersonic flight test, missile defense, and launch operations missions. We deliver practitioner-grade technical, program, and acquisition support to DoW customers across the enterprise including TRMC, MDA, JHTO, and the missile enterprise community.


Position Summary
Iron Will Ventures (IWV) seeks a Junior Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support hypersonic and strike weapon system development, test planning, and analysis at NSWC Crane. The successful candidate will work within a team to build and execute engagement- and engineering-level models principally AFSIM and 6-DOF trajectory simulations to inform flight test design, performance assessment, and weapon system integration decisions for DoD sponsors including OUSD(R&E)/TRMC, JHTO, and Navy program offices.


Key Responsibilities

  • Learn to develop, modify, and execute AFSIM scenarios and platform/sensor/weapon models to support mission-level trade studies, campaign analysis, and capability gap assessment.
  • Develop proficiency in building and validating 3-DOF and 6-DOF flight dynamics models for hypersonic and tactical missile configurations; support aero database integration, GNC model insertion, and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis.
  • Contribute to team generation of trajectory products supporting flight test planning: nominal and Monte Carlo trajectories, footprint and debris analysis inputs, range safety data packages, and instrumentation/coverage assessments.
  • Perform post-flight reconstruction and model validation against telemetry and range-collected data; document deltas and recommend model updates.
  • Support digital mission engineering workflows model configuration control, data standards, automation of run matrices, and integration of M&S products into government decision artifacts.
  • Produce technical documentation, analysis briefs, and quick-turn responses for government leadership.
  • Coordinate with prime contractors, test ranges, and government technical leads; represent IWV in working groups and technical interchange meetings.


Required Qualifications

  • Eligible for DoD Secret clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
  • Ability to learn AFSIM at proficient level scenario construction, model development, and results analysis (not solely end-user operation).
  • Ability to learn 6-DOF simulation experience for missiles, launch vehicles, or hypersonic vehicles.
  • Ability to work on-site at NSWC Crane and travel as required.


Desired Qualifications

  • Active DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligible preferred).
  • Experience supporting hypersonic flight test programs (MACH-TB, MACH-XL, CPS, LRHW, ARRW, or equivalent).
  • AFSIM plugin/extension development in C++.
  • Familiarity with range safety analysis, flight termination, and launch approval processes.
  • Experience with aero prediction and trajectory tools (Missile DATCOM, POST, OTIS, TAOS, GHAME, or equivalent).
  • Exposure to threat modeling, EMS/plasma sheath effects, or seeker/RF performance modeling.
  • Prior SETA or A&AS support to a government program office.
  • Demonstrated AFSIM proficiency scenario construction, model development, and results analysis (not solely end-user operation).
  • Demonstrated 6-DOF simulation experience for missiles, launch vehicles, or hypersonic vehicles.
  • Working proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data reduction, automation, and visualization.
  • M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline.


Travel

  • Up to 25% CONUS, primarily to test ranges and sponsor sites.

Iron Will Ventures Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.