Senior NBI Scientist (Accelerator Physicist)

Realta Fusion Inc; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stock options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Flexible paid time off

Live in Madison, Wisconsin

Job summary

Realta Fusion Inc in Madison, Wisconsin, seeks a Senior NBI Scientist (Accelerator Physicist) to lead detailed beam-physics execution for Narsil and Hammir, and to design, test, and optimize neutral beam injection systems.

The role requires advanced accelerator physics expertise, hands-on beam diagnostics, and the ability to translate complex results into practical engineering recommendations while collaborating with engineering teams and mentoring junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in accelerator physics or closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of beam optics, extraction physics, perveance, emittance/divergence, electrostatic acceleration, and high-current beam transport.
• Experience with accelerator grids, multi-aperture systems, magnetic transport, stripping/reionization, or neutral beam systems desirable.
• Ability to independently perform calculations, modeling, parameter scans, and design trades and translate results into clear engineering recommendations.
• Hands-on experience with beam diagnostics, testing, or accelerator commissioning preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed Narsil extraction, acceleration, and beam-transport physics analysis, including modeling and evaluation of ion extraction, beam acceleration, focusing, transport, and overall beam performance.
• Provide detailed beam-physics analysis and design-trade support for Hammir, evaluating accelerator and beam-transport concepts, operating parameters, and design alternatives.
• Develop, maintain, and improve accelerator and beam-physics modeling tools and supporting code used for system design, performance prediction, design trades, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Mentor NBI Scientists in accelerator and ion-optical physics, providing technical guidance, reviewing analyses, and helping develop their capabilities in beam modeling, accelerator physics, and interpretation of experimental data.

Skills

Beam physics

Beam optics

Modeling and simulations

Data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent in accelerator physics or related field

Tools

Diagnostics tools

Grids & apertures

Magnetic transport

Job description

Help design and advance the neutral beam systems at the heart of Realta’s fusion technology. The Senior NBI Scientist (Accelerator Physicist) will provide detailed accelerator and beam-physics execution for Narsil and Hammir. The position will support the design, development, testing, and optimization of neutral beam injection systems, and work closely with engineering and scientific teams to address beam performance, accelerator operation, system integration, and technical challenges. The Senior NBI Scientist/Accelerator Physicist will analyze experimental results and use data and modeling to guide system improvements and support the successful development and operation of Realta’s NBI systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct detailed Narsil extraction, acceleration, and beam-transport physics analysis, including modeling and evaluation of ion extraction, beam acceleration, focusing, transport, and overall beam performance. Use analysis and experimental results to identify performance limitations and recommend design or operational improvements.
2. Provide detailed beam-physics analysis and design-trade support for Hammir, evaluating accelerator and beam-transport concepts, operating parameters, and design alternatives. Work with the broader NBI and engineering teams to translate beam-physics requirements into practical system designs.
3. Develop, maintain, and improve accelerator and beam-physics modeling tools and supporting code used for system design, performance prediction, design trades, and interpretation of experimental results. Document modeling assumptions, methods, and results to support ongoing NBI development.
4. Mentor NBI Scientists in accelerator and ion-optical physics, providing technical guidance, reviewing analyses, and helping develop their capabilities in beam modeling, accelerator physics, and interpretation of experimental data. Collaborate closely with Manager, NBI Science, who will retain final system-level technical authority for NBI architecture and technical direction.

Background and Experience

• PhD or equivalent experience in accelerator physics, charged-particle beams, plasma/beam extraction, or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of beam optics, extraction physics, perveance, emittance/divergence, electrostatic acceleration, and high-current beam transport.
• Experience with accelerator grids, multi-aperture systems, magnetic transport, stripping/reionization, or neutral beam systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to independently perform calculations, modeling, parameter scans, and design trades and translate results into clear engineering recommendations.
• Hands-on experience with beam diagnostics, testing, or accelerator commissioning is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

• Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
• Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America's most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.