Plasma Physicist

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands. Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn and iterate in days. The modular design is designed to provide power to applications from austere environments to deep sea vehicles and maritime transport to lunar power. We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and that it requires a wide combination of skills, attitude, and grit to make it happen. If you have a passion for abundant energy, and how we can improve life with it, we want to have a chat with you. Avalanche might be fit for you if: You are self-motivated, energized by problem solving and working closely with hardware. You enjoy hands-on, creative collaboration with a small, tight-knit team you can work with, laugh with, and learn with on a wide variety of topics. You can learn and pivot between priorities when necessary and you can slide the headphones on, focus, and auger deep into a single topic as needed. You thrive in an atmosphere of development, and you are an ardent learner who’s always looking for ways to grow and improve. About The Role We are seeking a Plasma Physicist for our Seattle facility to work with our team on building, testing and developing our proprietary fusion machines, ion sources, electrodes, high voltage dielectric components and more. You will leverage your expertise to run experiments, identify insights and bring the team along for the journey. This senior role offers the opportunity to work with a passionate team on an ambitious mission to help push humanity forward. In This Role, You Will Lead plasma experiment development on one of our test cellsLead, plan and perform analysis on compact fusion machine configurations including fusion power, Bremsstrahlung and various loss mechanismsPlan, design and specify experiment instrumentation and metrology tools and processesHelp lead Avalanche’s scientific studies, including publishing papers and supporting regulatory, government outreach and proposal activitiesTravel for conferences, meetings or company offsite events as required About You PhD in Physics, Engineering, closely related fields or relevant experience5+ years post-PhD experienceExperience in design, procurement, specification, assembly, safety, operations, and analysis of plasma experimentsSignificant knowledge of plasma instrumentation, and diagnostic toolsExperimental data analysis and diagnosisExperience and knowledge of positive ion source technologies, tools and methodsExperience working in a multidisciplinary research environment Bonus Skills Or Experience Experience with high energy plasmasExperience with plasma simulation codes including Particle-in-Cell (PIC)Experience in the fusion industryExperience with COMSOL/FEM analysis Benefits Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits: We pay 100% of your premiums10 paid holidays and company-wide December holiday breakGenerous paid vacation and sick timeSmall, tight-knit team with low barriers to actionExposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growthWeekly employer provided team meals, a well-stocked kitchen, and employee events on and off-siteMeaningful equity in the form of stock options Avalanche values people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, and sexual orientations. We also acknowledge the value that different life experiences bring to our organization. Avalanche is an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.