Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Job Description

Job Description

About Thea Energy:   

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future. 

Position Overview:

Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team. This position involves supporting the design, development, and operation of critical plasma diagnostics and control systems for our Eos planar coil stellarator.

The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in experimental fusion plasma physics. You will play a vital role in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting, directly contributing to the rapid integration of diagnostic capabilities to accelerate the Eos commissioning and subsequent experimental campaigns. These campaigns will encompass both scenario development and nuclear (DD beam-target fusion) operational phases. All experience levels will be carefully considered.

• Support the conception, deployment, and iterative refinement of critical plasma diagnostics for Eos.
• Support the definition of the requisite measurement suite for all Eos operational phases, ensuring close alignment with the plasma control and physics teams.
• Assist in the development of initial instrument concepts, spatial layouts, and detailed requirements, including necessary space and facility allocation, for proposed Eos plasma instrumentation.
• Participate in the design and execution of comprehensive experimental campaigns, covering diagnostic calibration, rigorous validation, and in-depth data analysis.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of diagnostics into the Eos system.
• Rigorously document all technical outcomes and decisions to inform and guide future design iterations.
• Assist in the management and coordination of external research and development collaborations pertinent to Eos plasma diagnostics.

Essential:

• M.S. or PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Relevant practical, hands-on experience developing and running experimental fusion plasma diagnostics.
• Demonstrated track record of contributing to the successful management of diagnostics from initial concept through full commissioning and routine operation.
• Familiarity with or experience in key fusion plasma diagnostic methods, such as Thomson scattering, X-ray spectroscopy, ECE, microwave interferometry, fast-ion diagnostics or magnetic field measurement techniques.
• Proven experimental proficiency, including instrument calibration, advanced signal processing, and robust data analysis.
• Outstanding skills in both written and verbal technical communication.

Highly Desired:

• PhD specifically in experimental plasma physics.
• Sufficient engineering knowledge to facilitate effective, high-bandwidth interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• A strong personal commitment to developing commercially viable fusion energy products.

• Salary range $110,000 - $160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.

Diversity and Inclusion:   

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.  

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.