Diagnostic Physicist

Fusion Energy Base; Richmond; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Four weeks vacation

Comprehensive benefits package

RRSP Contribution

Support for professional development

Company culture events

Job summary

General Fusion in Richmond, BC is seeking a Plasma Diagnostician to develop and analyze diagnostic systems for measuring magnetized plasmas. This role involves applying strong physics and engineering expertise, particularly in optical systems and spectroscopy, within a dynamic startup environment.

You’ll collaborate closely with local and external experts while driving the innovation needed to advance plasma diagnostics and significantly contribute to fusion energy projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years work experience in a physics laboratory environment.
• Experience with UV-compatible optical components and spectrometers.
• Strong programming skills in Python.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for ion Doppler spectroscopy plasma diagnostic systems.
• Support analysis and operation of spectroscopy diagnostic systems.
• Develop and maintain data processing and analysis code.

Skills

Optical systems knowledge

Spectroscopy

Programming in Python

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in physics or engineering physics

Tools

Optical design software (e.g., Zemax)

CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks)

Job description

About Us

Established in 2002, General Fusion is a global leader in the race to commercialize clean fusion energy. We are pursuing a uniquely practical approach, Magnetized Target Fusion, and aim to provide zero-carbon fusion power to the grid in the early to mid-2030s. Today at our state-of-the‑art labs in Richmond, BC, we’re operating a groundbreaking fusion demonstration machine called Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), designed to achieve transformational technical milestones and accelerate General Fusion’s technology to commercialization. Our path to market is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experimental physicist or engineer with a strong background in physics to join our Plasma Diagnostics Team as a plasma diagnostician. The diagnostician will assist in maintaining, analyzing, and developing diagnostics to measure the properties of magnetized plasmas. The diagnostician will take ownership of the UV‑visible ion Doppler spectroscopy diagnostic system, providing calibrated and processed experimental data with known lineage and error. This position will involve collaboration with external experts in academia and industry.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the ion Doppler spectroscopy plasma diagnostic systems used to measure ion temperature and rotation velocity. Plan, design, operate, troubleshoot, and ensure data quality of diagnostic systems.
• Support other spectroscopy diagnostic systems and spectroscopy data analysis.
• Drive improvement of diagnostic measurement by developing, testing and implementing design improvements.
• Develop and maintain data processing and analysis code.
• Manage collaborations with external parties to develop and validate the diagnostic.
• Document and communicate designs and results.
• Analyze data, extending our understanding of plasmas and plasma compression by relating experimental data with theory and simulation.
• Assist in assembly, testing, installation, calibration, and operation of diagnostic equipment as needed.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in physics, engineering physics or related field.
• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience in a physics laboratory environment, carrying out physical experiments and analyzing measured data.
• Experience working with optical systems and spectrometers.
• Experience with UV‑compatible optical components, e.g., fibers, windows, lenses.
• Experience in designing, testing and debugging instrumentation for experimental or industrial settings.
• Ability to manage multi‑disciplinary projects in collaboration with external parties.
• Ability to translate basic mathematical and physics concepts into real‑world applications.
• Strong programming skills; experience with Python.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Proven ability to work well within a team.
• Strong communication skills.
• Background in plasma diagnostics; experience working hands‑on with plasma diagnostic systems is an asset.
• Experience with visible/UV spectroscopy and X‑ray spectroscopy; experience with spectrometers, fiber optics preferred.
• Experience with Zemax or equivalent optical design software preferred.
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardware, signal processing, and/or EM noise treatment preferred.
• Experience in scientific writing of manuscripts and reports, and presentation of scientific findings preferred.
• Good understanding of statistics and error analysis preferred.
• SolidWorks or similar CAD software preferred.

The typical hiring range for this position is $115,00 - $135,000. General Fusion considers many factors when determining total compensation, including job‑specific or highly specialized knowledge, skills and experience, proficiency, job location and internal equity.

What We Offer

• Flexible hours
• Four weeks’ vacation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• RRSP Contribution
• Support for professional development
• Great company culture – social events, food trucks, bike rides, Sun Run, etc.

Applications

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

General Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.