Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

About the role

The successful candidate will join the Boundary Plasma Physics Team in the Applied Plasma Physics Division under the guidance of the Lead Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, refine, and troubleshoot in situ boundary plasma diagnostic systems to characterize key plasma parameters such as local edge density, temperature, heat flux, plasma potential, fast ion distribution, and more.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design, maintain, and refine direct-contact material diagnostics — such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo-optical arrays.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C-2W fusion device.
• Analyze complex experimental data with advanced modeling and simulation tools, interpreting results within the broader fusion research program.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal meetings, project reviews, and scientific conferences.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure while strictly following all safety protocols.
• Promote the TAE Core Values, Rules of the Road, and our Culture of Safety.

Requirements

• PhD-level research experience in experimental plasma physics, with a strong focus on in situ plasma diagnostics.
• Hands-on experience building, deploying, troubleshooting, and maintaining diagnostics on plasma research devices.
• Demonstrated success in planning and conducting experiments, analyzing results, extracting physics-based insights, and delivering technical reports or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with scientific programming, data analysis, and data visualization using Python (preferred) or similar tools.
• Experience working with standard plasma diagnostic instrumentation and plasma research device infrastructure, including but not limited to: DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multi-meters, high-vacuum systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments to meet project objectives and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.

Skills

• Scientific programming, data analysis, and data visualization using Python (preferred) or similar tools.
• Experience with standard plasma diagnostic instrumentation and plasma research device infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• $110,000 - $130,000 salary range.
• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave.
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents.
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization.
• Potential for equity participation.
• HQ in Southern California.
• Employee events on and off-site.
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization.

Pay

• $110,000 - $130,000

Schedule

• Full-time