Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Tri Alpha Energy Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(K) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Equity participation potential

Employee events

Job summary

Tri Alpha Energy Inc. is seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) in California to develop in-situ plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. This full-lifecycle role involves designing and troubleshooting diagnostic systems while running experiments and analyzing data for insights.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, with a salary ranging from $110,000 to $130,000. Generous benefits include medical, dental, and 401(K) matching.

Qualifications

• PhD-level research experience in experimental plasma physics with a focus on in-situ plasma diagnostics.
• Experience with building, deploying, troubleshooting, and maintaining diagnostics.
• Experience in scientific programming and data visualization using Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, refine, and troubleshoot in-situ boundary plasma diagnostics.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on diagnostic systems.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C-2W fusion device.
• Analyze experimental data to extract physics-based insights.

Skills

Plasma diagnostics

Experimental data analysis

Scientific programming (Python)

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

Langmuir probes

Retarding field analyzers

Pyrobolometers

DAQ systems

High-vacuum systems

Job description

We are seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) who will develop in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C‑2W fusion device. In this role, you will design, deploy, and troubleshoot direct‑contact material diagnostics — such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo‑optical arrays — to measure local edge density, temperature, heat flux, and more. You will also run experiments, perform data analysis, and translate raw diagnostic signals into physics‑based insights.

This is a full‑lifecycle scientific role. We are not just looking for a hardware builder, but a scientist who will own the entire experimental loop. You will lead the physical development of edge diagnostics, deploy them on the C‑2W device, run the experimental campaigns, and critically analyze the resulting data to gain insight into the underlying physics and help guide design choices for our next‑generation devices.

About The Role

• The successful candidate will join the Boundary Plasma Physics Team in the Applied Plasma Physics Division under the guidance of the Lead Scientist.
• Develop, deploy, refine, and troubleshoot in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostic systems to characterize key plasma parameters such as local edge density, temperature, heat flux, plasma potential, fast ion distribution, and more.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design, maintain, and refine direct‑contact material diagnostics — such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo‑optical arrays.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C‑2W fusion device.
• Analyze complex experimental data with advanced modeling and simulation tools, interpreting results within the broader fusion research program.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal meetings, project reviews, and scientific conferences.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure while strictly following all safety protocols.
• Promote the TAE Core Values, Rules of the Road, and our Culture of Safety.

About You

• PhD‑level research experience in experimental plasma physics, with a strong focus on in‑situ plasma diagnostics.
• Hands‑on experience building, deploying, troubleshooting, and maintaining diagnostics on plasma research devices.
• Direct experience with one or more of the following diagnostics highly preferred: Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, pyrobolometers.
• Demonstrated success in planning and conducting experiments, analyzing results, extracting physics‑based insights, and delivering technical reports or peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with scientific programming, data analysis, and data visualization using Python (preferred) or similar tools.
• Experience working with standard plasma diagnostic instrumentation and plasma research device infrastructure, including but not limited to DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multi‑meters, high‑vacuum systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments to meet project objectives and deadlines.

Education

• Required: Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.

Compensation: $110,000 - $130,000

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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.

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