Divertor Plasma Physicist (Scientist/Sr. Scientist/Manager)

About Thea Energy:

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma Physicist to join our team, focusing on the physics design of stellarator divertors. Our unique toroidally continuous X-point divertor provides a robust, high-performance exhaust solution, addressing one of the most significant challenges in stellarator magnetic confinement. This role involves analyzing and simulating the divertor region of stellarator magnetic fields and collaborating across disciplines to execute our divertor development program. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in plasma physics, particularly plasma edge physics, plasma-material interaction, and optimization along with hands-on experience in experiments and analysis. Experience with fusion device experiments is a plus. You will work with a dynamic team, contributing to cutting-edge research and development within Thea Energy’s stellarator systems. Candidates from all levels of professional experience are encouraged to apply and will be thoroughly evaluated.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optimize divertor magnetic and mechanical geometry and target plates using state-of-the-art computational tools.
• Analyze edge magnetic geometry and provide feedback to the stellarator optimization and divertor engineering teams.
• Develop and implement algorithms to simulate fluid plasma within complex magnetic edge topologies.
• Develop and optimize divertor operation scenarios for the Eos stellarator.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design effective stellarator divertor systems.
• Perform data analysis and model validation to provide insights into physical mechanisms governing plasma behavior.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.

Experience & Skillsets:

Required:

• PhD in Plasma Physics or a related field (with 2+ years of experience) or a master’s degree (with 5+ years of experience).
• Experience with the boundaries of fusion devices, particularly stellarators.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Familiarity with plasma physics simulation tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to advancing fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external teams of scientists and engineers.

Ideal:

• Experience with edge plasma models such as BMW, FLARE, SOLPS, UEDGE, EMC3-EIRENE.
• Experience on a plasma physics experimental device, ideally a large stellarator or tokamak experiment.
• Solid understanding of plasma fluid and neutral particle models.
• Familiarity with Plasma-Material Interactions.
• Experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

Company Benefits:

• Salary range $120,000 - $195,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.