Senior Research Scientist

Zap Energy; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Zap Energy is looking for a Senior Research Scientist in Everett, Washington to lead innovative fusion research. This role involves defining scientific strategies, managing experimental campaigns, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a PhD in plasma physics and extensive experience in experimental design and theoretical modeling. The position offers a competitive annual salary range of $140,000 to $200,000 based on qualifications. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable energy.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of relevant experience in plasma physics.
• Experience correlating scientific results with theoretical models.
• Hands-on skills in experimental design and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define scientific strategy and development plans.
• Lead experimental campaigns on advanced fusion devices.
• Manage data analysis and publication of research results.

Skills

Plasma physics

Data analysis

Cross-functional project management

Research collaboration

Creative problem solving

Education

PhD in plasma physics or closely related field

Tools

Experimental diagnostic systems

Computational plasma modeling

Job description

Overview

The planet urgently needs safe, reliable, zero-carbon energy without waste. Nuclear fusion can address this scale, but decades of approaches have not proven a net positive energy gain. Zap Energy has rethought the fundamental technology of fusion, using a shear-flow-stabilized Z-pinch approach, which the company views as a potentially fastest path to commercially available fusion energy.

About The Opportunity

As a Senior Research Scientist, you’ll be at the heart of Zap Energy’s mission—defining global science strategies with other leaders, developing fusion concepts and scenarios, designing next-generation fusion prototypes, developing, running, and analyzing experiments that push the boundaries of plasma physics and fusion technology, coordinating with a theory team to validate, benchmark and scale plasma performance, and communicating progress with internal and external stakeholders. Your work will help us understand complex systems, validate models, and uncover insights that move us closer to sustainable energy.

Responsibilities

• Define scientific strategy and development plans, pushing forward Zap’s fusion concept using both experimental and modeling workflows
• Progress from concept to design and lead experimental campaigns on advanced fusion devices, leveraging insight from theory and modeling
• Manage or lead the design, fielding, and operations of multiple plasma diagnostic systems (interferometry, spectroscopy, neutronics, Thomson scattering, magnetics, etc.)
• Collaborate cross-functionally across the R&D organization and other technical and non-technical teams
• Work closely with research engineers and diagnosticians to integrate systems and optimize experimental setups
• Manage and/or perform data analysis, reduction, error propagation, publication, and presentation of experimental results, including computational results

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in plasma physics or closely related field and 7-10+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to plan and lead complex, cross-functional projects
• Experience correlating scientific experimental results with theoretical simulations and models
• Familiarity with plasma theory and computational models either as user or as collaborator
• Strong foundation in plasma physics and fusion science
• Hands-on experience with experimental design and data analysis
• Creative problem solving and proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Clear communicator who enjoys turning complex ideas into actionable insights

Preferred

• Experience with Z-Pinch fusion research, analysis, experimentation, and modeling
• Bonus points for expertise in:
• Fusion plasma diagnostics
• Pulsed power systems
• High-voltage instrumentation
• Computational plasma modeling

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $140,000-200,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy 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.