Senior Scientist, Real-Time Plasma Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company match

Paid vacation + sick time

Wellness program

Parental leave

Job summary

TAE Technologies is seeking a Sr Scientist of Plasma Control to advance real-time control for the C-2W device. You will bridge plasma physics and advanced control, integrating diagnostics with actuators and FPGA-based embedded systems to achieve stable, optimized performance.

The role demands a Ph.D. in physics, hands-on expertise in experimental fusion research, and leadership to guide a multidisciplinary team through design, implementation, and dissemination of results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field.
• Experience in experimental plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion.
• Real-time control systems with FPGA-based hardware/firmware.
• Programming multitasking Real-Time Operating Systems and embedded control systems.
• Proficient in embedded C/C++.
• Model-Based Design with Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with leadership of Plasma Control Team, developing strategy, design, integration, and execution of the Real-time Plasma Control System on C-2W
• Collaborate closely with the experimental team to define and implement control algorithms addressing plasma stability, confinement, and performance optimization
• Maintain and advance the capabilities of the Real-time Plasma Control System on C-2W
• Design and develop next generation RTPS for future TAE fusion devices
• Coordinate the work of a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and computer scientists, fostering innovation in advanced control approaches
• Publish findings, present at scientific conferences, and engage with the broader fusion community to advance plasma control capabilities
• Provide expertise in aligning plasma control development with organizational milestones toward commercial fusion energy
• Maintain awareness of technological developments relevant to the control of fusion plasmas
• Seek and foster relationships with external partners in the areas of control of fusion plasmas

Skills

Real-time control

FPGA hardware

Embedded C/C++

RTOS programming

Matlab/Simulink

Leadership

Plasma physics

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

Stateflow

Embedded software tools

Job description

TAE Technologies is seeking a Sr Scientist of Plasma Control to advance real-time control for the C-2W device. You will bridge plasma physics and advanced control, integrating diagnostics with actuators and FPGA-based embedded systems to achieve stable, optimized performance.

The role demands a Ph.D. in physics, hands-on expertise in experimental fusion research, and leadership to guide a multidisciplinary team through design, implementation, and dissemination of results.