R&D Manager

ENABLE your future through light.

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.

ENGAGE with us today and make your contribution to the future! Join the team that leading technology companies turn to for cutting-edge photonic innovation. At Excelitas Technologies you are how we EXCEL.

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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