Scientist - Applied Laser Physics

Physics World; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(K) with company match

Paid vacation + sick time

December holiday companywide

Wellness program

Parental leave

Job summary

TAE Technologies in Southern California seeks a Scientist of Applied Laser Physics to manage laser-based diagnostics and interpret data to extract plasma parameters. You will collaborate with physicists and engineers on precision optics and laser-plasma interaction, and mentor junior staff.

The role involves designing and upgrading measurement techniques, ensuring data integrity, and participating in experimental campaigns while promoting safety and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optical Engineering required.
• Experience with optical diagnostics or laser systems in a plasma/accelerator environment.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on design, operation, and data interpretation of laser-based diagnostics.
• Develop measurement techniques and upgrade laser systems.
• Ensure data integrity, calibration, and documentation.

Skills

Optical diagnostics

Laser systems

Mentoring

Translate signals to physics

Education

PhD in Physics/Applied Physics/Optical Engineering

Specialization in laser diagnostics or plasma optics

Job description

Description

TAE Technologies is a leader in commercial fusion energy, founded in 1998 with a mission to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the world. Using our proprietary Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) technology, we are advancing toward the commercialization of aneutronic hydrogen-boron fusion. As we transition from the Norm to the Da Vinci commercial prototype, we seek dedicated professionals to support our critical experimental operations.

Job Details

TAE Technologies is a leader in commercial fusion energy, founded in 1998 with a mission to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the world. Using our proprietary Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) technology, we are advancing toward the commercialization of aneutronic hydrogen-boron fusion. As we transition from the Norm to the Da Vinci commercial prototype, we seek dedicated professionals to support our critical experimental operations.

The Scientist of Applied Laser Physics is responsible for managing laser-based diagnostic systems and the interpretation of resulting data to extract key plasma parameters such as density, temperature, and magnetic field. This includes Thomson scattering, Faraday rotation, interferometry, polarimetry, and other coherent or incoherent laser techniques. Ensures the precision and reliability of laser diagnostics while contributing to the group’s contributions to experimental campaigns and advancing system capabilities.

About The Job

• Collaborate with other Scientists on the design, operation, and data interpretation of laser-based diagnostics.
• Work with a team of physicists and engineers focused on precision optics and laser-plasma interaction.
• Design and develop an implementation of advanced measurement techniques and upgrades to existing systems.
• Drive interpretation efforts linking optical signals to fundamental plasma quantities.
• Maintain laser safety protocols and operational reliability across campaigns.
• Participate in experimental planning and contribute insights to broader physics interpretation efforts.
• Ensure data integrity, calibration procedures, and documentation are maintained to high standards.
• Collaborate with the experiment development and execution, data analysis, and results communication.
• Mentor junior staff and drive a culture of precision, rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Conduct individual research and participate in or lead projects on a matrix basis as needed.
• Participate in outward facing activities like representing TAE and recruiting new talent.
• Demonstrate and promote the TAE Core Values, Rules of the Road, and our Culture of Safety.

About You

• Established years of experience with optical diagnostics or laser systems in a plasma, accelerator, or similar environment.
• Deep understanding of interferometry, Thomson scattering, or related laser techniques.
• Strong mentoring skills in a technical setting.
• Ability to translate complex optical signals into actionable physics insights.

Education

• Required: PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optical Engineering;
• Preferred: Specialization in laser diagnostics or plasma optics.

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 (non-Sr., Sr.). The compensation range for these roles are $125,000 - $140,000.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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, companywide 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.

Learn more

tae.com

Our podcast Good Clean Energy

Instagram

LinkedIn

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer