Optimisation Intern

Open Star Technologies Limited; Wellington; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

OpenStar Technologies Limited in Wellington, New Zealand, invites an intern to join the Product team and advance the numerical modelling of levitated dipole devices. Work with world‑class plasma physicists and engineers on developing optimisation methods and computational models.

The role focuses on learning numerical methods, modelling, and interpretation of results, with regular mentoring and safety oversight. An Honours or Master’s degree in a relevant field is expected.

Qualifications

• Honours or Master's degree in physics, applied mathematics, or CS/engineering.
• Experience with numerical modelling.
• Ability to work through and solve highly multidisciplinary engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Numerical analysis of electromagnetism and plasma physics models.
• Computer modelling - develop and iterate numerical models to produce useful results.
• Interpretation of model results to inform future dipole experiments.
• Help maintain health and safety standards for the team and for machinery.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Honours or Master's in physics/applied mathematics/computer science/engineering

Job description

Expand OpenStar's theoretical and computational understanding of levitated dipole devices.

17th August, 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity strengthens our team and are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Who We Are

OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to repeat the feats of Māui and capture the power of the Sun. By mastering fusion - the process that powers the stars - we can generate safe, clean, carbon-free, base-load electricity in a way that is economically scalable to the challenge of mitigating climate disaster and giving birth to the next industrial revolution. Our team is made up of talented engineers and physicists, based in Wellington, New Zealand.

About the Role

The OpenStar Product team works alongside world‑class plasma physicists and superconducting magnet engineers to expand OpenStar's theoretical and computational understanding of levitated dipole devices. Initially, the candidate must gain familiarity with the numerical methods of electromagnetism and plasma physics in order to develop an understanding of the optimisation problem. The optimisation itself must then be developed, and the results analysed.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on the candidate, the project may span:

• theoretical study of dipole plasma physics and related theories,
• numerical methods and optimization frameworks applied to modelling a levitated dipole device,
• development and iteration of computational models,
• interpretation of model results to inform future dipole experiments.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Numerical analysis - understand the numerical methods applied to modelling electromagnetic and plasma physics phenomena.
• Computer modelling - develop and iterate numerical models to produce useful results for informing future dipole experiments.
• Interpretation - interpret the results of these models as required.
• Help maintain a high standard of health and safety, both for the team and for the machinery you help build and operate.

This internship provides the opportunity to take a lead on the development of the model with the support of the wider OpenStar team through regular review, discussion, and technical mentoring.

What We’re Looking For

• Must have - currently completing an Honours or Master's degree in physics, applied mathematics, or computer science/engineering.
• Must have - experience with numerical modelling.
• Ability to work through and solve highly multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team.
• Great team member with clear communication and collaboration skills.
• Innate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas including one's own.
• Nice to have - plasma physics knowledge.

Join Us

This opportunity boils down to the chance to work on something truly meaningful. The scariest thing about the climate crisis today is that, for all our bluster and protest, there are very few of us who actually have the chance to do meaningful work solving this problem. Carbon‑free energy is an absolute necessity if we want to be able to recognise the world that future generations inherit. Please join us in making this a reality.