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

Pae

Sr Researcher

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) * Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR ... computer programming. Clearance Required: Secret Minimum Education: PhD, Chemistry or similar ...

Amentum

Sr Researcher

Washington, DC · On-site

Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) * Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR ... computer programming. Clearance Required: Secret Minimum Education: PhD, Chemistry or similar ...

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 Jun 11, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Plasma Engineers or highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and experience, with senior-level positions often including bonuses and stock options.

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 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 is the highest paid job in physics?

In physics, the highest paid roles are often senior research scientists, physics professors at top universities, or industry physicists working in sectors like aerospace, defense, or technology. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and often involve leadership or management responsibilities, leading to higher compensation.

What is the highest paid nuclear engineer?

Senior Plasma Engineering is a specialized field within nuclear engineering, and salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer. The highest paid nuclear engineers typically work in leadership roles or in industries like energy, aerospace, or defense, with top salaries reaching over $150,000 annually. Advanced certifications and expertise in plasma or fusion technology can also influence compensation levels.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior Plasma Engineering roles, especially in industries like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or advanced research, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, specialized skills, and often in leadership or executive positions. High compensation typically involves extensive expertise in plasma physics, engineering, and related tools, along with a strong track record of project management or innovation.

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 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 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

NIST PREP Senior Research Fellow in Nanocalorimetry for In-Situ Plasma Monitoring

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Nanocalorimetry for In-Situ Plasma Monitoring (U.S. Citizens Preferred)
The work will entail: The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens Preferred) to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working to advance the current state-of-the-art in nanocalorimetry-based measurements for monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing processes. This individual will work closely with the leaders of this multi-effort project but will personally be responsible for incorporating these novel sensors into a custom plasma chamber and determining their utility for in-situ characterization of plasma-based etching and deposition processes.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Design and assemble a custom plasma reactor that integrates NIST-produced nanocalorimetry sensors as well as other common plasma diagnostic tools.
  • Perform experiments using a variety of plasma types and conditions relevant for semiconductor manufacturing processes, utilizing nanocalorimetry along with other plasma diagnostic techniques for in-situ monitoring.
  • Data interpretation to understand the parameters during plasma processes and assess the feasibility of using nanocalorimetry as a process monitoring technique.
  • Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Required Skills, Expertise and Qualifications:
  • PhD in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
  • Hands-on expertise in the design and assembly of custom plasma reactors, as well as experience using plasma diagnostic techniques such as Langmuir and optical probes.
  • Experience with calorimetry-based measurements of temperature and/or thermal properties of materials.
  • Understanding of measurements of radical/ionic fluxes and energy distributions at the substrate level, as well as deep knowledge of plasma-surface interactions.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Employment Terms: This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers and with NIST's often world class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. Citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.
Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.

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