Sr Scientist, Plasma Control

Tri Alpha Energy Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Job summary

TAE Technologies in Foothill Ranch, CA, seeks a Sr Scientist of Plasma Control to advance the Real-time Plasma Control System (RTPCS) for our fusion device and to design next-generation systems.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and computer scientists, integrating diagnostics with plasma actuators and applying Bayesian/ML methods to maintain stability.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field.
• Experience in experimental plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion research.
• Real-time control systems experience including FPGA-based hardware/firmware.
• Embedded C/C++ programming and RTOS development.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and advance the Real-time Plasma Control System (RTPCS) for the current fusion device.
• Design next-generation RTPS for future TAE fusion devices.
• Collaborate with experimental team to define control algorithms for plasma stability and performance.
• Publish findings at conferences and engage with the fusion community.

Skills

Experimental plasma physics

Magnetic confinement fusion research

Real-time control systems

FPGA-based hardware/firmware

Embedded C/C++ programming

RTOS development

Model-Based Design (Matlab/Simulink)

Leadership & communication

Engineering practices

Multitasking in fast-paced env

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

Copernicus Office
9750 Irvine Blvd, 101
Irvine, CA 92618, USA

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.

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.

About The Role

We currently have an opening at our Foothill Ranch, Orange County CA facility for the position of Sr Scientist of Plasma Control. The primary task of the Plasma Control Team is to maintain and advance the development of the Real-time Plasma Control System (RTPCS) for TAE’s current generation fusion device and to design next generation systems. The RTPCS integrates many plasma diagnostics, including magnetic probes, neutral beam diagnostics, and measurements of plasma density, with plasma actuators, including magnetic coils, neutral beam injectors, biasing electrodes and fueling valves, into a holistic control system to achieve prescribed plasma performance and maintain stability. The RTPCS uses a combination of deterministic calculation based on electromagnetism and inference, so a good understanding of electromagnetism as well as a firm command of modern Bayesian and ML methods is required.

This role bridges fusion energy science and plasma physics with advanced non-linear control concepts making use of cutting-edge control technology, especially FPGA-based architectures of embedded systems. The successful candidate will therefore need a strong background in both areas. Additionally, as advances in the RTPCS are expected to involve greater AI inference, knowledge of advanced mathematical and computational AI/ML methods is a must.

• 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

About You

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field
• Demonstrated experience in experimental plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion research
• Proven expertise in real-time control systems, including FPGA-based hardware and firmware development
• Experience in programming multitasking Real-Time Operating Systems and embedded control systems.
• Proficient in embedded C/C++ programming
• Knowledge of system design for embedded platforms established on Model-Based Design approaches (Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow)
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of good engineering practices and procedures
• Strong documenting and organizational skills
• Must have the ability to multitask and think in a fast-paced environment

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non-Sr., Sr.). The compensation range for these roles are $135,000 - $155,000 annually.

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

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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.