Sr Scientist, Plasma Control

Fusion Energy Base; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Parental leave

Equity participation potential

Collaborative work environment

HQ in Southern California

Employee events

Job summary

TAE Technologies in Orange County, CA is seeking a Sr. Scientist of Plasma Control to maintain and advance the RTPCS for the current fusion device and design next-generation systems.

The role blends fusion science, plasma physics, non-linear control and FPGA-based embedded systems, requiring deep expertise across multiple disciplines. The candidate will lead a cross-functional team, collaborate with experimental groups, and publish results while aligning development with commercial fusion

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion research.
• Proven expertise in real-time control systems, including FPGA hardware and firmware development.
• Experience programming multitasking real-time operating systems and embedded control systems.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming.
• Knowledge of System design for embedded platforms using Model-Based Design (Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow).
• Excellent leadership, team management and communication skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with Plasma Control Team leadership to develop strategy, design, integration and execution of RTPCS on C‑2W.
• Collaborate with experimental team to define and implement control algorithms for plasma stability and performance optimization.
• Maintain and enhance RTPCS capabilities on C‑2W.
• Design and develop next-generation RTPS for future fusion devices.
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers and computer scientists to foster innovation.
• Publish findings, present at conferences and engage the broader fusion community.
• Align plasma control development with organizational milestones toward commercial fusion energy.
• Stay abreast of technological developments relevant to fusion plasma control.
• Build and nurture relationships with external partners in fusion plasma control.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Multitasking

Team management

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

FPGA

Embedded C/C++

Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow

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 apply science and engineering to design transformational technologies that harness fusion for clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.

About the Role

We have an opening at our Foothill Ranch, Orange County, CA facility for the position of Sr. Scientist of Plasma Control. The primary task is to maintain and advance the Real‑time Plasma Control System (RTPCS) for TAE’s current fusion device and to design next‑generation systems. The RTPCS integrates multiple plasma diagnostics and actuators into a holistic real‑time control system that preserves plasma performance and stability. The role bridges fusion science, plasma physics, advanced non‑linear control, and FPGA‑based embedded systems, requiring deep expertise in electromagnetism, Bayesian and machine‑learning inference, and modern AI/ML methods.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion research.
• Proven expertise in real‑time control systems, including FPGA hardware and firmware development.
• Experience programming multitasking real‑time operating systems and embedded control systems.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming.
• Knowledge of system design for embedded platforms using Model‑Based Design approaches such as Matlab, Simulink, and Stateflow.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of good engineering practices and procedures.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and think in a fast‑paced environment.

Compensation

The total compensation package for this position may include salary, performance bonuses, and equity, with a base salary range of $135,000 to $155,000 annually.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation and sick time, plus a company‑wide December holiday.
• Wellness program and parental leave.
• Payment rewards for referring talent, novel research, and patents.
• Collaborative work environment with opportunities to cross‑functional teams.
• Potential equity participation.
• HQ located in Southern California.
• Employee events on and off‑site.
• Commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

EEO Statement

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 [e-mail] to request accommodations or more information.