Burning Plasma Scientist

CHEManager International; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 135,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range $135k-$210k

Health benefits

Employee stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

Thea Energy in New Jersey is seeking a Burning Plasma Scientist to advance modeling of energetic particle confinement and transport. You will run high‑fidelity simulations and pioneer ML surrogates to accelerate design cycles, working with the optimization team to control fast‑ion loss and heat loads in 3D magnetic geometries.

Candidates should have a PhD in Plasma Physics or related field, strong programming skills (Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB), and a track record in kinetic/MHD or

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics or computational physics or equivalent research experience.
• Strong programming skills in Python/Fortran/C++/MATLAB.
• Experience with kinetic, MHD or particle-following codes.

Responsibilities

• Execute and analyze high-fidelity simulations in 3D magnetic geometries.
• Investigate Alfvén Eigenmode stability and its impact on transport.
• Develop ML surrogates to enable real-time predictions of pressure profiles.
• Iterate coil designs and divertor configurations with engineering.
• Create synthetic diagnostics to bridge models and experiments.

Skills

Python

Fortran

C++

MATLAB

ML surrogates

Kinetic/MHD codes

Energetic particle diagnostics

Collaborative mindset

Education

PhD in Plasma Physics

PhD in Computational Physics

Master’s/Bachelor with equivalent research

Tools

Python

Fortran

C++

MATLAB

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 highly motivated Burning Plasma Scientist to join our Physics team, focusing on modeling energetic particle confinement and transport. In this role, you will run high‑fidelity simulations and pioneer the use of Machine Learning surrogates to accelerate our design cycles. You will work directly with our optimization team to ensure our magnetic topologies manage fast‑ion loss and heat loads effectively.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Execute and analyze high‑fidelity simulations using particle‑following codes to assess alpha particle and neutral beam ion confinement in 3D magnetic geometries.
• Investigate Alfvén Eigenmode (AE) stability using kinetic‑MHD hybrid codes and assess their impact on energetic particle transport.
• Develop reduced‑order models and ML surrogates trained on simulation databases to enable real‑time prediction of pressure profiles.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to iterate on coil designs and divertor configurations to minimize fast‑ion losses.
• Develop synthetic diagnostics (e.g., Fast‑Ion Loss Detectors, Neutron Cameras) to bridge the gap between our models and future experimental campaigns.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, or related field (or Master’s / Bachelor’s with equivalent research experience).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Creative problem solving and proven ability to thrive in collaborative environments such as startups or research groups.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.
• Passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Familiarity with kinetic, MHD or particle‑following codes.
• Experience developing Machine Learning surrogates for physical systems.
• Familiarity with energetic particle diagnostics.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $135,000-$210,000.
• 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.