Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4

Job description

Purpose of the Position: The Principal Research Scientist I, Step 4, will conduct advanced research and development in multilayer optical coatings, instrument hardware, and computational modeling to enable advancements in X-ray optic technology for astrophysical and high-energy applications. The scientist will collaborate closely with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) X-ray Astronomy Group under existing cooperative agreements to design, fabricate, and test reflective optical elements and to develop data-driven software tools that enhance instrument performance and coating precision. Duties / Responsibilities: Optical Coating Design and Fabrication: - Develop, optimize, and characterize single-layer and multilayer reflective coatings for hard X-ray mirrors and full-shell optics. - Support thin-film deposition studies using magnetron sputtering systems and related techniques, including layer-thickness control, interface quality improvement, and environmental stability studies. Instrumentation and Hardware Development: - Participate in the design, assembly, and validation of laboratory instrumentation and coating facilities used for optical deposition and metrology. - Suppor...