Senior Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Physics World; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

TAE Technologies seeks a Sr. Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) to develop boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W device. You will design, deploy, and troubleshoot direct-contact diagnostics to measure edge density, temperature, heat flux and more.

You will lead the experimental loop, develop diagnostics, run campaigns, and analyze data to guide design choices for next-gen devices.

Qualifications

• PhD-level research in experimental plasma physics with focus on in situ diagnostics.
• Hands-on experience building, deploying and maintaining diagnostics on plasma devices.
• Experience with Langmuir probes, RF analyzers or pyrobolometers is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, refine and troubleshoot in situ boundary plasma diagnostic systems.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C-2W fusion device.
• Analyze complex data and translate results into physics-based insights.

Skills

Experimental plasma physics

In situ diagnostics

Python data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Engineering or closely related field

Tools

Langmuir probes

Retarding field analyzers

Pyrobolometers

Fast-ion loss detectors

Job description

Do Epic Science

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 are applying 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.

Job Details

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 are applying 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 who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion-generated electricity.

We are seeking a Sr. Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) who will develop in-situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. In this role, you will 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. You will also run experiments, perform data analysis, and translate raw diagnostic signals into physics-based insights.

This is a full-lifecycle scientific role. We are not just looking for a hardware builder, but a scientist who will own the entire experimental loop. You will lead the physical development of edge diagnostics, deploy them on the C-2W device, run the experimental campaigns, and critically analyze the resulting data to gain insight into the underlying physics and help guide design choices for our next-generation devices.

About The Role

• The successful candidate will 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 - such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo-optical arrays.
• 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.

About You

• PhD-level research experience in experimental plasma physics, with a strong focus on in situ plasma diagnostics.
• Multiple years of Hands-on experience building, deploying, troubleshooting, and maintaining diagnostics on plasma research devices.
• Direct experience with one or more of the following diagnostics highly preferred: Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, pyrobolometers, fast-ion loss detectors.
• 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 but not limited to: DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multi-meters, 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.

$140,000 - $160,000

About Us

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What You’ll Get With Us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave;
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents;
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization;
• Potential for equity participation;
• HQ in Southern California;
• Employee events on and off-site;
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization.

Learn more

tae.com

Our podcast Good Clean Energy

Instagram

LinkedIn

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

Note to Agencies

TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.