Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Thea Energy, Inc.; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

Thea Energy, Inc. in Kearny, New Jersey is seeking a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our team. The role supports design, development, and operation of critical diagnostic systems for our innovative Eos stellarator. As a core team member, you will engage in experimental campaigns and contribute directly to fusion energy advancements.

A strong foundation in experimental physics, excellent communication skills, and relevant experience in plasma diagnostics are essential for this role. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.

Qualifications

• M.S. or PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in developing experimental fusion plasma diagnostics.
• Track record of managing diagnostics from concept to operation.

Responsibilities

• Support conception and deployment of critical plasma diagnostics for Eos.
• Define measurement suite for all operational phases of Eos.
• Assist in the calibration and validation of diagnostic instruments.

Skills

Experimental fusion plasma diagnostics

Thomson scattering

X-ray spectroscopy

Advanced signal processing

Technical communication

Education

M.S. or PhD in Plasma Physics or related field

Job description

About Thea Energy

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview

Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team. This position involves supporting the design, development, and operation of critical plasma diagnostics and control systems for our Eos planar coil stellarator. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in experimental fusion plasma physics. You will play a vital role in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting, directly contributing to the rapid integration of diagnostic capabilities to accelerate the Eos commissioning and subsequent experimental campaigns. These campaigns will encompass both scenario development and nuclear (DD beam-target fusion) operational phases. All experience levels will be carefully considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the conception, deployment, and iterative refinement of critical plasma diagnostics for Eos.
• Support the definition of the requisite measurement suite for all Eos operational phases, ensuring close alignment with the plasma control and physics teams.
• Assist in the development of initial instrument concepts, spatial layouts, and detailed requirements, including necessary space and facility allocation, for proposed Eos plasma instrumentation.
• Participate in the design and execution of comprehensive experimental campaigns, covering diagnostic calibration, rigorous validation, and in-depth data analysis.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of diagnostics into the Eos system.
• Rigorously document all technical outcomes and decisions to inform and guide future design iterations.
• Assist in the management and coordination of external research and development collaborations pertinent to Eos plasma diagnostics.

Required Experience & Skillsets

Essential Qualifications:

• M.S. or PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Relevant practical, hands‑on experience developing and running experimental fusion plasma diagnostics.
• Demonstrated track record of contributing to the successful management of diagnostics from initial concept through full commissioning and routine operation.
• Familiarity with or experience in key fusion plasma diagnostic methods, such as Thomson scattering, X‑ray spectroscopy, ECE, microwave interferometry, fast‑ion diagnostics or magnetic field measurement techniques.
• Proven experimental proficiency, including instrument calibration, advanced signal processing, and robust data analysis.
• Outstanding skills in both written and verbal technical communication.

Highly Desired Attributes:

• PhD specifically in experimental plasma physics.
• Sufficient engineering knowledge to facilitate effective, high‑bandwidth interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• A strong personal commitment to developing commercially viable fusion energy products.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $110,000 - $160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

Diversity and Inclusion

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.