Neutral Beam R&D Engineer

Tri Alpha Energy Inc.; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match

Collaborative environment

Potential for equity participation

Job summary

A leading fusion energy company located in California is seeking an engineer to design and optimize neutral beam injection systems. Candidates should have experience with ion sources and proficiency in relevant simulation codes. The role involves collaboration with physicists and overseeing component testing. This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $145,000 along with comprehensive benefits including medical and parental leave.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize neutral beam injection systems.
• Collaborate with plasma physicists to meet experimental performance requirements.
• Oversee vendor interactions, component testing, and acceptance reviews.
• Develop diagnostics for the high-power NB.

Skills

Direct experience with neutral beam injection systems and/or ion sources

Proficiency with simulation codes (COMSOL, ANSYS, Solid Works)

Strong problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills

Excellent analytical and data analysis skills

Experience with high-voltage systems, pulsed power, particle accelerators and/or fusion devices

Ability to work safely in hazardous environments (high voltage, radiation, cryogenics)

Knowledge of vacuum systems and thermal management

Education

B.S. in engineering or related discipline

M.S. in engineering or related discipline with experience in NB or accelerators R&D

Tools

Programming Languages/Scripts/Macros like Python, Matlab or IDL

Job description

TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon‑free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality.

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion‑generated electricity.

The successful candidate will participate in the research and development of long‑pulse plasma sources, extraction and acceleration systems, and beamline components through the design and construction of subsystem prototypes on various test stands and by working closely with experimentalists and computational science staff.

About The Role

• Design, analyze, and optimize neutral beam injection systems, including ion sources, accelerators, neutralizers, beamlines, and beam dumps
• Specify and integrate vacuum, cryogenic, cooling, and gas handling subsystems
• Collaborate with plasma physicists to meet experimental performance requirements
• Interface with controls, diagnostics, and data acquisition teams
• Oversee vendor interactions, component testing, and acceptance reviews
• Develop diagnostics for the high‑power NB (Secondary electron emission detectors, calorimeters, optical diagnostics, etc.)

About You

• Direct experience with neutral beam injection systems and/or ion sources
• Experience with magnetically confined plasma
• Proficiency with simulation codes (COMSOL, ANSYS, Solid Works)
• Thermal, structural, and/or electromagnetic analysis
• Experience in designing and operating plasma and/or beam diagnostics
• High vacuum systems
• Experience with high‑voltage systems, pulsed power, particle accelerators and/or fusion devices
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, high voltage systems and thermal management
• Ability to work safely in hazardous environments (high voltage, radiation, cryogenics)
• Strong problem‑solving, documentation, and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and data analysis skills
• Experience with various Programming Languages/Scripts/Macros as well as languages such as Python, Matlab or IDL is also useful.

Education

Required: B.S. in engineering or related discipline

Preferred: M.S. in engineering or related discipline with experience in NB or accelerators R&D

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job‑related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered. The compensation range for these roles is $100,000-$145,000.

#LI-Onsite

About Us

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What you’ll get with us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, company‑wide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off‑site
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

Note to Agencies: TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.