Sr Experimental Plasma Scientist

Avalanche Energy; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

10 paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick time

Equity

Job summary

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up focusing on compact fusion machines for energy-dense power generation. We seek a Senior Experimental Plasma Scientist to lead plasma experiments and guide design decisions with rapid iteration, cross-functional teams, and strong scientific judgment.

You will interpret theory, simulations, and experimental results, mentor junior staff, and contribute to a culture of curiosity and rigorous analysis in a hardware-driven R&D environment. Site: Tukwila, WA.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics or closely related field or equivalent depth of experience.
• 4+ years of professional experience in fusion plasma physics.
• Ability to interpret theory, simulation, and experimental results.
• Direct experience working with fusion relevant plasma diagnostics.
• Comfortable communicating complex ideas across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and interpret plasma experiments with cross-functional teams.
• Translate results into clear, actionable recommendations for future experiments.
• Integrate experimental data, simulations, and theory to inform conclusions.
• Define key questions and focus areas during development.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and software teams to reflect plasma physics in system design.
• Clearly communicate plasma concepts to non-plasma specialists.
• Support product and system trade studies with scientifically grounded input.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers.
• Share knowledge, review analyses, and foster a collaborative science culture.
• Improve team practices around documentation, analysis, and communication.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Clear communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Python programming

Adaptability

Education

PhD in plasma physics or closely related field

Tools

Plasma diagnostics tools

Job description

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands. Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn and iterate in days. The modular design is designed to provide power to applications from austere environments to deep sea vehicles and maritime transport to lunar power.

We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and that it requires a wide combination of skills, attitude, and grit to make it happen. If you have a passion for abundant energy, and how we can improve life with it, we want to have a chat with you.

Avalanche might be fit for you if: You are self-motivated, energized by problem solving and working closely with hardware. You enjoy hands-on, creative collaboration with a small, tight-knit team you can work with, laugh with, and learn with on a wide variety of topics. You can learn and pivot between priorities when necessary and you can slide the headphones on, focus, and auger deep into a single topic as needed. You thrive in an atmosphere of development, and you are an ardent learner who’s always looking for ways to grow and improve.

A Senior Experimental Plasma Scientist is a technical leader within Avalanche’s Science organization. This role is responsible for advancing plasma physics understanding as it applies directly to Avalanche’s fusion systems, while operating comfortably in an environment of rapid iteration, incomplete information, and evolving requirements.

This is not a purely academic role. You will work closely with experimental systems, diagnostics, simulations, and cross-functional engineering teams to inform design decisions, interpret results, and guide next experiments. You are expected to exercise strong scientific judgment, propose new approaches, and help the team move faster and smarter.

In This Role You’re Responsible For

• Designing, analyzing, and interpreting plasma experiments in close collaboration with the broader science team and engineers.
• Contributing to rapid test–learn cycles by translating results into clear, actionable recommendations for future experiments.
• Integrating experimental data, simulations, and theory to inform conclusions and guide next steps.
• Helping to define which questions matter most at a given stage of development and where effort is best focused.
• Working closely with engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, software) to ensure plasma physics considerations are reflected in system design.
• Communicating complex plasma physics concepts clearly to non-plasma specialists across the organization.
• Supporting product and system trade studies by providing scientifically grounded input.
• Acting as a technical mentor to more junior scientists and engineers.
• Sharing knowledge, reviewing analyses, and contributing to a collaborative and curious science culture.
• Helping strengthen team practices around documentation, analysis, and communication.

About You

• PhD in plasma physics or a closely related field, or equivalent depth of experience.
• 4+ years of professional experience in fusion plasma physics
• Demonstrated ability to approach complex plasma physics problems analytically
• Direct experience working with fusion relevant plasma diagnostics
• Comfortable interpreting theory, simulation, and experimental results.
• Ability to work with a diverse team as well as operate independently, prioritize work, and make progress in ambiguous environments.
• Clear communicator who can explain complex ideas across disciplines.
• Comfort iterating quickly and revising assumptions as new data emerges.
• Comfortable coding in python or similar languages

Bonus Skills & Experience

• Experience working around high-voltage systems
• Experience designing and setting up noninvasive plasma diagnostics
• Familiarity with vacuum or ultra-high‑vacuum systems
• Experience with cryogenic systems or fluid handling
• Automation or controls installation experience
• Prior work in fast-paced, hardware-driven R&D environments

Additional Considerations

• Site: Tukwila, Washington
• Travel: Occasional travel for equipment procurement, conferences, or collaboration as needed

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits: We pay 100% of your premiums
• 10 paid holidays and company-wide December holiday break
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action
• Exposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growth
• Weekly employer provided team meals, a well-stocked kitchen, and employee events on and off-site
• Opportunity for Equity

Avalanche values people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, and sexual orientations. We also acknowledge the value that different life experiences bring to our organization. Avalanche is an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.