Lead Fusion Engineer: Plasma Neutron Source (Onsite)

Ampera; Florida; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ampera is seeking a hands-on Lead Fusion Engineer to own our first plasma neutron source and advance it from design to commissioned operation in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

The role requires deep expertise in high-voltage, RF power delivery, vacuum systems and plasma diagnostics. You will lead design closure, procurement, assembly, commissioning and safety, reporting to the CTO in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or applied physics.
• At least 7 years of hands‑on experience building and operating experimental plasma or pulsed‑power systems.
• Direct experience with high-voltage DC systems at 50 kV or above: feedthroughs, terminations, field management, grounding and interlocks.
• Practical vacuum experience: CF and KF hardware, turbo and dry pumps, gauging, leak detection.
• Experience with RF plasma sources or RF power delivery.
• Experience writing hazard analyses, commissioning procedures and operating procedures for hazardous equipment.
• Ability to work onsite full time in a hands‑on lab and build environment.

Responsibilities

• Design closure: own the preliminary engineering package and close open design decisions, sign off, and change control.
• High voltage: own the HV system end to end, including feed path, terminations, field management, grounding and interlocks.
• RF plasma source: complete RF generator, matching and antenna integration for reliable ignition and operation.
• Vacuum and gas: commission UHV pumping, gauging, valving and leak detection; manage gas handling and exhaust systems.
• Diagnostics and radiation: establish plasma diagnostics and neutron/gamma detection with dosimetry.
• Controls and safety: architect the control system and lead hazard analysis across energy sources and radiation.
• Procurement and vendors: own RFP scope and coordinate with Supply Chain for order-to-install.
• Build and commissioning: lead lab setup, assembly and commissioning procedures through gates.
• Team and reporting: hire/direct technicians and report to CTO.

Skills

Plasma physics

Nuclear engineering

Electrical engineering

High voltage systems

Vacuum technology

RF power delivery

Hazard analyses

Project leadership

Education

MS or PhD in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or applied physics

Tools

COMSOL

NI LabVIEW

Python

C/RIO

Job description

Ampera is seeking a hands-on Lead Fusion Engineer to own our first plasma neutron source and advance it from design to commissioned operation in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

The role requires deep expertise in high-voltage, RF power delivery, vacuum systems and plasma diagnostics. You will lead design closure, procurement, assembly, commissioning and safety, reporting to the CTO in a fast-paced lab environment.