Sr Radiation Physicist/Engineer – Microelectronics
Compensation
Not disclosed
Location
Melbourne ZEL OFC, Melbourne, FL, US
Work setup
Not specified
Seniority
Senior
Employment
Contract
Experience
7+ years
Category
Science
Posted
Skills
analytics
data-analytics
data-science
data-visualization
matlab
numpy
pandas
python
scipy
technical-writing
typescript
Must have
Must be a US citizen.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Must have a master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering (with a focus on semiconductor physics), Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline and 7+ years of pos
Successful background and drug screening check.
Nice to have
Direct experience supporting satellite programs, space domain payloads, or high-reliability (Class S / Space-grade) microelectronics development.
Familiarity with space testing standards and guidelines (e.g., MIL-STD-883 Method 1017/1019, JESD57, ASTM, ESCC 22900).
Experience with advanced node geometries ( ) or wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN, SiC) engineered for space power and RF systems.
Background in analyzing telemetry data from on-orbit radiation monitors or spacecraft microelectronics to validate ground predictions.
Current active Security Clearance.
Modeling & Simulation Tools: Expertise with radiation transport codes (Geant4, MCNP, SRIM/TRIM, FLUKA) and space environment prediction tools (CREME96/CREMEMC, SPENVIS, AP9/AE9, SHIELDOSE-2).
Full description
*This position is contingent upon contract award. *
This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *
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**Job Summary: ZelTech is seeking a Senior Radiation Physicist/Engineer** to lead predictive analysis and radiation-effects modeling for microelectronics integrated into space-and terrestrial assets. In this role, you will bridge space environment physics, computational radiation modeling, and empirical test correlation. The ideal candidate’s efforts will result in analysis tools used to support design and development of microelectronic components, subsystems, and payloads that can survive and perform reliably across long-duration space and terrestrial missions. Resulting efforts will also support predictive analysis of performance thresholds for already deployed assets.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in space radiation environments (trapped belts, galactic cosmic rays, solar particle events), radiation-matter interaction theory, advanced data analytics, and will play a pivotal role in predicting asset survivability, shaping radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) architectures, and correlating predictive models against real-world and test data.
Space-Domain Modeling: Develop, validate, and refine predictive physics models to evaluate single-event effects (SEE), total ionizing dose (TID), enhanced low-dose-rate sensitivity (ELDRS), and displacement damage dose (DDD) in advanced microelectronics intended for orbital and deep-space platforms.
Radiation Transport Simulations: Perform high-fidelity transport and energy-deposition simulations across component, board, and system-level shielding configurations.
Failure Mechanism Analysis: Apply radiation impact theory to identify physical degradation mechanisms and single-event phenomena in semiconductor technologies (e.g., FinFET, FD-SOI, GaN, SiC, 3D ICs).
Data Analysis & Empirical Correlation
Complex Data Integration: Process, analyze, and synthesize large, high-dimensional datasets combining environment models, simulated physics outcomes, and accelerator ground-testing data.
Correlation Studies: Design and execute statistical correlation studies comparing predicted asset radiation responses against empirical test data.
Model Validation: Calibrate theoretical and computational frameworks using ground test results to continuously improve prediction accuracy and quantify model uncertainty for high-reliability mission profiles.
Requirements:
Must be a US citizen.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Must have a master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering (with a focus on semiconductor physics), Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline and 7+ years of post-graduate professional or research experience in radiation physics, space environment analysis, or radiation effects on microelectronics.
Successful background and drug screening check.
Technical Skills & Expertise
Radiation & Microelectronics Theory: Deep theoretical understanding of radiation environments, charge transport, single-event transients/upsets, micro-dosimetry, and displacement damage in microelectronics.
Advanced Data Analysis: Proficiency in statistical data analysis, regression models, and data visualization using programming environments such as Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), MATLAB, or R.
Empirical Data Correlation: Proven track record of evaluating radiation test data (heavy ion, proton, neutron, gamma, X-ray) and conducting data-driven validation against predictive models for flight microelectronics.
Soft Skills
Strong technical writing capability with experience writing comprehensive analytical reports and readiness reviews.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex physics concepts for cross-functional teams.
Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort navigating multi-variable, empirical-versus-modeled data discrepancies.
Preferred Requirements:
Direct experience supporting satellite programs, space domain payloads, or high-reliability (Class S / Space-grade) microelectronics development.
Familiarity with space testing standards and guidelines (e.g., MIL-STD-883 Method 1017/1019, JESD57, ASTM, ESCC 22900).
Experience with advanced node geometries ( ) or wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN, SiC) engineered for space power and RF systems.
Background in analyzing telemetry data from on-orbit radiation monitors or spacecraft microelectronics to validate ground predictions.
Current active Security Clearance.
Modeling & Simulation Tools: Expertise with radiation transport codes (Geant4, MCNP, SRIM/TRIM, FLUKA) and space environment prediction tools (CREME96/CREMEMC, SPENVIS, AP9/AE9, SHIELDOSE-2).
Physical Demands or Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
About ZelTech:
Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.
Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.
Our Mission:
Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.
Our Workforce:
ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professional, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.
**Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
401k immediate vesting with company match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Account with company contributions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Bonuses for performance
Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
Educational assistance and special training programs
Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
Health and fitness reimbursement
Referral bonuses
Employee discounts on various services and products
Equal Opportunities:
ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.