Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)

Zap Energy; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Matching retirement contributions

Premium health insurance

Flexible vacation and paid company holidays

Job summary

Zap Energy in Everett, WA, seeks a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) to advance research in Z-pinch technology. Candidates should possess a PhD in plasma physics or a related field, along with significant experience in fluid dynamics and scientific computing.

This role involves leading model development, validating experimental data, and collaborating with teams for device design. The estimated salary ranges from $130,000 to $185,000 annually, along with competitive benefits including health insurance and flexible vacation.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of relevant experience in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, or related fields.
• Experience in leading computational design optimization and experimental validation.
• Strong working knowledge of scientific computing algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of models for Z-pinch operation.
• Deploy tools simulating compression physics and plasma dynamics.
• Validate models against experimental data.

Skills

Computational design optimization

Scientific computing

Fluid dynamics

Turbulence

Clear communication

Education

PhD in plasma physics or related field

Tools

CFD

MHD

High-performance computing

Job description

Help us power the planet.

The planet urgently needs safe, reliable, zero‑carbon energy without waste. Nuclear fusion can address the scale of this problem, but for decades, existing fusion approaches have not proven a net positive energy gain. Zap Energy has rethought the fundamental technology of fusion. As the only company using sheared‑flow‑stabilized Z‑pinch, we present potentially the fastest path to commercially available fusion energy.

As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you’ll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z‑pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you’ll deploy fluid and kinetic plasma simulation tools to guide experimental design and operation. Your work will address fundamental design challenges and shape strategies for generating and sustaining stable fusion conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of models that capture essential physics in the formation and sustainment of the sheared‑flow‑stabilized Z‑pinch
• Deploy computational tools for simulating compression physics, shock heating, turbulent and kinetic transport, plasma sheaths, atomic and molecular reactions, two‑fluid effects, and 3D phenomena
• Validate models against experimental data and refine predictive capabilities
• Collaborate with experimental teams to harness modeling insights to guide device design and operation
• Share findings through publications and presentations at conferences

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, or a closely related field and 5‑10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading computational design optimization and experimental validation
• Strong knowledge of scientific computing and algorithms (CFD, MHD, continuum kinetic modeling, PIC, etc.)
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively

Preferred:

• Experience with AI augmentation of design‑build‑test loops
• Familiarity with kinetic plasma physics and modeling
• Knowledge of atomic and molecular physics of plasmas or combustion reaction chemistry
• Expertise in modeling turbulent transport
• Expertise in high‑performance computing workflows

Estimated salary range: $130,000-185,000 annual.

Zap Energy also offers the following:

• Competitive compensation
• Matching retirement contributions
• Premium health insurance
• Flexible vacation and paid company holidays

Zap Energy is building a low‑cost, compact and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared‑flow‑stabilized Z‑pinch technology offers the shortest potential path to commercially viable fusion and requires orders of magnitude less capital than traditional approaches.

Zap Energy Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

Questions on this position can be sent to [e-mail].