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Senior Plasma Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

VB Spine

Sr. Microbiologist

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to ... plasma, moist heat, dry heat, or other modalities * Mandatory experience interacting with ...

All JobsPlasma Engineering JobsSenior Plasma Engineering JobsSenior Plasma Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Plasma Engineering information

See Reston, VA salary details

$66.1K

$141.6K

$206K

How much do senior plasma engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plasma engineering in Reston, VA is $141,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,100.00 and $169,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior plasma engineer do?

A Senior Plasma Engineer specializes in the study and application of plasma, which is an ionized gas, for various industrial and scientific uses. They design, develop, and optimize plasma-based systems and processes, such as those used in semiconductor manufacturing, material coatings, or fusion energy research. Their responsibilities often include leading research projects, troubleshooting equipment, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance plasma technologies. Senior Plasma Engineers also mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical documentation and safety protocols. Their expertise is crucial in industries that rely on advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.

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

To thrive as a Senior Plasma Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in plasma physics, materials science, and engineering principles, typically supported by a master's or Ph.D. in a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools (such as COMSOL Multiphysics or ANSYS), vacuum systems, and plasma diagnostic equipment is essential, along with experience in cleanroom environments. Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and effective communication are important soft skills that help drive innovation and teamwork. These competencies are crucial for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting plasma processes that are vital to industries like semiconductor manufacturing and energy.

What are some common challenges faced by senior plasma engineers when scaling up plasma processes from laboratory to industrial applications?

Senior Plasma Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining plasma stability, uniformity, and reproducibility when transitioning processes from the lab to industrial scale. Ensuring that parameters such as pressure, power, and gas flow remain consistent across larger systems requires careful process optimization and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including equipment designers and quality engineers. Additionally, addressing safety protocols and meeting regulatory standards become more complex at scale, demanding strong project management and communication skills. Overcoming these hurdles is key to successful implementation and product quality.

What is the difference between Senior Plasma Engineering vs Plasma Process Engineer?

AspectSenior Plasma EngineeringPlasma Process Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience in plasma systemsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience in plasma processing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsSemiconductor fabrication plants, R&D labs, manufacturing environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, aerospace, semiconductor industrySemiconductor manufacturing, electronics industry, R&D facilities

Senior Plasma Engineering roles focus on leading plasma system design, development, and optimization, often involving research and innovation. Plasma Process Engineers primarily work on developing and maintaining plasma-based manufacturing processes, ensuring quality and efficiency. While both roles require similar technical credentials and work in related environments, Senior Plasma Engineers typically have more leadership responsibilities and strategic input compared to Plasma Process Engineers.

What job categories do people searching Senior Plasma Engineering jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Plasma Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Plasma Engineering jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Plasma Engineering job openings:

Senior Plasma Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Plasma Engineering job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,640 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Senior Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

MTSI is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aerospace Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer with deep experience in hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, propulsion, and high-fidelity physics-based simulations. The ideal candidate has proven technical leadership experience, thrives in complex analysis environments, and can manage and execute medium- to large-scale technical tasks with limited oversight.
You will support aerospace research and engineering efforts across aerothermodynamics, high-speed propulsion, interceptor lethality, mission engineering, and advanced CFD-based studies. You will routinely interface with government customers, contribute to proposal efforts, and lead multidisciplinary teams.
Role & Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical Leadership & Execution
  • Lead multiphysics M&S efforts including hypersonic flowfields, scramjet/ramjet propulsion, IR signature analysis, interceptor lethality, and aerothermal phenomena.
  • Translate guidance from Program Managers or government technical leads into actionable engineering tasks and workflows.
  • Manage and execute medium-large technical projects, ensuring efficient task coordination with available resources.
  • Serve as technical lead for time-critical, high-visibility engineering tasks.
  • Engage and support MTSI internal Senior Leaders, Technical Fellows/Directors, and Engineering Analysis team lead with technical expertise and business development.

Modeling & Simulation
  • Develop, execute, and analyze high-fidelity CFD, combustion, and aerothermal simulations using GOTS, COTS, and privately developed tools such as US3D, STAR-CCM+, Cantera, Pointwise, Kestrel, Fluent, ParaView, VisIt, or similar.
  • Optics performance modeling, seeker/sensor performance evaluation, Zmax experience preferred.
  • GNC modeling experience preferred.
  • Apply advanced chemical kinetics, plasma physics, and high-speed propulsion modeling expertise to complex aerospace problems.
  • Conduct operations analysis and mission engineering studies using tools such as AFSIM.
  • Conduct campaign analysis studies using tools such as CFAM or STORM.

Customer Engagement & Communication
  • Routinely engage with government technical representatives, teammates, and subcontractors.
  • Clearly explain results, analysis methodologies, and technical approaches in both formal and informal settings.
  • Serve as technical volume lead for proposals; assist with Pink/Red team reviews.

Organizational Leadership
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Communities of Practice.
  • Support or lead internal innovation projects and cross-functional technical initiatives.
  • Participate in conferences, workshops, and technical sessions as a presenter or chair.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in aerothermodynamics, hypersonics, combustion physics, high-speed propulsion, and CFD model development.
  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++, Bash, Java) and familiarity with modern M&S toolchains.
  • Ability to independently break down complex problems, develop technical approaches, and assign tasks to others based on strengths.
  • Strong technical writing, customer briefing, and communication skills.
  • Experience leading or supporting business development activities.

Qualifications
  • MS in Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience working in defense industry roles.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (highly preferred).
  • Ability to work independently with guidance required only for the most complex situations.

Physical Requirements
  • On-site at Alexandria, VA. Possibility of working remotely 1-2 days/week depending on contract work.

The pay range for this position is $120,000/year to $150,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
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