Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

TAE Technologies, Inc; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Parental leave

Job summary

TAE Technologies, Inc is seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) to develop in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. The role involves designing and troubleshooting advanced diagnostic systems and analyzing experimental data.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics or related field, strong hands-on experience with diagnostics, and skills in data analysis and scientific programming. The compensation range is $110,000 – $130,000, alongside various benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD‑level research experience in experimental plasma physics.
• Hands‑on experience with plasma diagnostic systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot boundary plasma diagnostic systems.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C‑2W fusion device.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on diagnostics design.

Skills

Experimental plasma physics

Data analysis

Scientific programming in Python

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. in Plasma Physics or related field

Tools

Langmuir probes

Retarding field analyzers

DAQ systems

Power supplies

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 apply 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 passionate about realizing our mission: a future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion‑generated electricity.

Role

Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) – Develop in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. 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. Run experiments, perform data analysis, and translate raw diagnostic signals into physics‑based insights.

This is a full‑lifecycle scientific role, owning the entire experimental loop: develop edge diagnostics, deploy on C‑2W, run campaigns, and analyze data to guide design choices for next‑generation devices.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, pyrobolometers. (Highly preferred)
• 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 DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multimeters, 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 per year, plus benefits. Compensation decisions consider skill sets, experience, job‑related knowledge, training, licenses, certifications, and other business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and sick time, company‑wide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards for referring talent, novel research, and patents
• Collaboration across organizational groups
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off‑site
• Commitment to inclusivity and equity

Equal Opportunity Statement

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other employment benefits and privileges.