Senior Plasma Device Operations Engineer

Zap Energy Inc.; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zap Energy Inc. is seeking a Plasma Device Operations Engineer to own the day-to-day execution of experimental shots on the plasma devices.

You will ensure machine readiness, perform shot execution, troubleshoot first-line issues, and maintain data quality across every run. You will collaborate with diagnostics, controls engineers, and plasma physicists to configure machines for campaigns, verify data quality, and ensure traceability of all shot metadata.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or closely related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating experimental physics, pulsed-power, or high-voltage laboratory equipment.
• Comfort around high-voltage (>1 kV) systems with strict safety procedures.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and digitizer configuration.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, timing diagrams, and oscilloscope/digitizer waveforms.
• Strong written communication for run logs, procedures, and machine status.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple maintenance tasks while maintaining traceability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with engineering disciplines to align subsystems before each shot campaign.
• Lead pre-shot coordination to confirm machine configuration and run plan objectives.
• Maintain and communicate the master run schedule across campaigns and maintenance windows.
• Track action items and blockers and drive resolution with clear owners.
• Coordinate downtime activities to sequence maintenance, installation, and calibration safely.

Skills

High-voltage operations

Pulsed-power hardware

Data acquisition systems

Oscilloscope interpretation

Run logs & documentation

Multitasking & organization

Technical communication

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Siemens PLC

MDSplus

D-TACQ / NI digitizers

Job description

Zap Energy Inc. is seeking a Plasma Device Operations Engineer to own the day-to-day execution of experimental shots on the plasma devices.

You will ensure machine readiness, perform shot execution, troubleshoot first-line issues, and maintain data quality across every run. You will collaborate with diagnostics, controls engineers, and plasma physicists to configure machines for campaigns, verify data quality, and ensure traceability of all shot metadata.