Computational Plasma Physicist

Thea Energy, Inc.; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

A fusion energy company in Kearny, NJ, is seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to focus on stellarator and fusion simulations. Candidates should have a PhD in Plasma Physics or equivalent experience. Responsibilities include developing algorithms, conducting simulations, and collaborating with teams. The position offers a salary range of $120,000 - $140,000, comprehensive health benefits, and other perks like employee equity options.

Qualifications

• Strong background in computational physics with emphasis on MHD stability.
• Experience with stellarators is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement algorithms for analyzing and improving stellarator configurations.
• Conduct simulations and analysis of fusion plasma behavior in stellarators.
• Collaborate with teams to refine designs and improve performance.

Skills

Computational plasma physics

Numerical simulations

Programming languages (Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB)

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, or related field

Master's degree with 2+ years of experience

Tools

High-performance computing (HPC)

Stellarator design codes (DESC, STELLOPT, VMEC)

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

We are seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to join our team, focusing on stellarator and fusion plasma physics simulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in computational physics, with a particular emphasis on MHD stability in stellarators and stellarator optimization. You will work with minimal supervision, contributing to cutting‑edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement algorithms for analyzing and improving stellarator configurations.
• Conduct simulations and analysis of fusion plasma behavior in stellarators, using advanced computational models.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to refine designs and improve the performance of stellarator systems.
• Perform data analysis, model validation, and provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing plasma behavior.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.

Required Experience & Skillsets

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, or master’s degree in relevant field with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.
• Experience with stellarators is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with any of the stellarator design, stability or transport codes such as DESC, STELLOPT, VMEC, TERPSICHORE, M3DC‑1, GX, GENE‑3D.
• Understanding of optimized stellarator magnetic field generation and coil optimization techniques.
• Experience in high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $120,000 - $140,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g., medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

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.