Experimental Plasma Scientist - Fusion R&D Leader

Avalanche Energy; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage: premium paid by the公司

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick time

Small tight-knit team

Hands-on problem solving growth

Team meals

Equity opportunity

Job summary

Avalanche Energy, a Seattle-based startup, is seeking an Experimental Plasma Scientist to lead plasma experiments and help accelerate fusion technology development. You will work closely with hardware, diagnostics, simulations, and software teams in a fast-paced environment to inform design decisions and next steps.

This role emphasizes strong scientific judgment, collaboration across disciplines, and the ability to pivot with new data, while contributing to rapid iteration and hands-on problem

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics or equivalent depth of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to approach complex plasma physics problems analytically.
• Direct experience working with plasma diagnostics.
• Comfortable interpreting theory, simulation, and experimental results.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and interpret plasma experiments in collaboration with the science team and engineers.
• Contribute to rapid test–learn cycles by translating results into actionable recommendations for future experiments.
• Integrate experimental data, simulations, and theory to inform conclusions and next steps.
• Help define which questions matter most at a given development stage and where effort is best focused.
• Work with engineering teams to ensure plasma physics considerations are reflected in system design.
• Communicate complex plasma physics concepts clearly to non-plasma specialists.
• Support product and system trade studies with scientifically grounded input.
• Share knowledge and contribute to a collaborative science culture.

Skills

Plasma diagnostics

Python

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in plasma physics

Tools

Diagnostics equipment

Vacuum systems

Job description

Avalanche Energy, a Seattle-based startup, is seeking an Experimental Plasma Scientist to lead plasma experiments and help accelerate fusion technology development. You will work closely with hardware, diagnostics, simulations, and software teams in a fast-paced environment to inform design decisions and next steps.

This role emphasizes strong scientific judgment, collaboration across disciplines, and the ability to pivot with new data, while contributing to rapid iteration and hands-on problem