• Design and conduct experiments to investigate the underlying plasma physics of magnetic nozzles  o Requires combining 2D spatial maps of plasma properties obtained experimentally with modifications to existing nozzle theory to create a predictive performance tool• Develop a flexible magnetic nozzle testbed source for plume detachment experiments• Build and operate plasma diagnostics for Hall-Effect Thrusters and magnetic nozzles   o Includes Laser Induced Fluorescence, retarding potential analyzers, optical emission spectroscopy, DC and RF-compensated Langmuir, double, emissive, and Faraday probes • Lead the technology development of the CubeSat Ambipolar Thruster (CAT)  o Work as a team to raise the TRL from TRL-2 to TRL-5• Implement experiments to characterize prototypes of CAT  o Ranging from antenna-plasma coupling to plume mapping to performance testing• Engineer and validate xenon and iodine propellant feed systems for the CAT• Investigate alternative propellants for the CAT• Develop thermal, fluid, and structural models of the CAT• Build and refurbish vacuum facilities• Direct engineering, experimental, and modeling project collaborations• Write sections of grant proposals• Mentor research assistants

• Administer equipment contracts• Revise drawings to match system requirements• Manage line, valve, and equipment lists

• Implement ionic liquid storage and containment requirements• Identify ionic liquids suitable for a dual-mode propulsion system• Simulate chemical and electrospray propulsion performance• Measure the decomposition delay time of selected liquids

• Create equipment specifications• Evaluate equipment proposals• Perform system calculations

• Review and revise vendor drawings• Perform protective relaying and grounding calculations• Compare vendor quotes

• Troubleshoot network problems• Coordinate user/software support operations

• Draft final project models from the designs of others• Prepare/revise engineering plans • Manage databases to increase project efficiency

• Efficiently conclude transactions to maximize profit • Enhance customer satisfaction