Experimental Physics Consultant

Overview

As an Experimental Physics Consultant, you will design and run hands-on experiments to solve real-world technical challenges. You will work in a multidisciplinary Applied Physics team, developing prototypes and validating concepts for diverse sectors. Your work translates scientific insight into practical impact, collaborating with physicists, engineers and domain experts. This role offers scope across defence, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and more, with opportunities to grow into technical leadership and advanced technology development.

Pay / Benefits

• Private healthcare for you and family
• 25 days annual leave + 0.5 day Christmas Eve
• Generous pension scheme
• Annual performance-based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

Responsibilities

• Design, build and conduct experiments to investigate complex physical phenomena
• Develop and test prototypes and experimental systems
• Acquire, process and analyse experimental data
• Characterise the performance of devices, materials and systems
• Develop novel experimental approaches to client challenges
• Support laboratory, workshop and field activities
• Identify sources of uncertainty and experimental error
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations and client deliverables
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers and computational specialists across projects
• Support internal research, innovation and capability development

Key requirements

• Degree, MSc or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Physics or related discipline
• Experience in several areas: experimental physics, RF or electromagnetic systems, surface physics, materials characterization, fluidics or fluid systems, instrumentation and measurement, data acquisition and analysis, sensor development and testing, laboratory experimentation, prototype development, environmental testing, scientific programming and data analysis
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar tools (advantageous)

• Curious about real-world physical behavior
• Hands-on and practical problem solving
• Independent on experimental design and execution
• RF and electromagnetic systems
• Surface physics
• Materials characterization

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