Pulsed Power Physicist

Responsibilities

• Optimize beam efficiency and energy deposition on target
• Lead design, fabrication, and testing of cathode systems across multiple emitter technologies (explosive emission, thermionic, photocathodes)
• Design and optimize hibachi foil/anode grid structures for beam transport efficiency
• Lead experimental campaigns end-to-end
• Develop and validate cathode and beam transport models (analytical, PIC, SPICE) to guide design decisions; roughly equal balance of modeling and experimental work
• Operate and maintain UHV vacuum systems (target < 10^-9 Torr) including bakeout, leak checking, and pumping systems
• Survey prior art on emitter technologies, beam transport, and cathode physics
• Own experimental program documentation: test reports, design records, operating procedures, and data management
• Manage hardware procurement, BOM tracking, and vendor relationships for cathode subsystems
• Interface with potential commercial emitter suppliers on procurement, packaging, and quality
• Support integration of cathode systems into larger diode and laser architectures

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field (MS with exceptional relevant experience considered)
• Deep expertise in beam diagnostics (Faraday cups, beam imaging, energy analysis, calorimetry)
• Hands-on experience with vacuum electronics and electron-beam generation
• Able to independently design experiments, interpret results, and write up findings clearly
• Experience building and commissioning complex experimental systems end-to-end (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, controls)
• Familiarity with high-voltage pulsed power systems (100 kV+)
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation (SMUs, oscilloscopes, HV power supplies)
• Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and physics domains in a small team
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum
• Desired: Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes
• Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago, CST, COMSOL)
• Background in beam transport optimization
• Track record of thorough technical documentation and hardware program management (procurement, scheduling, vendor coordination)
• Background in excimer laser or inertial fusion energy systems