Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

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, from harnessing fusion to innovating medical care.

We are seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) who will develop in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C‑2W fusion device. In this full‑lifecycle scientific role you will design, deploy, troubleshoot, and iterate direct‑contact material diagnostics—such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo‑optical arrays—to measure local edge density, temperature, heat flux, and related parameters. You will also run experiments, analyze data, and translate raw diagnostic signals into physics‑based insights.

• The successful candidate will join the Boundary Plasma Physics Team in the Applied Plasma Physics Division under the guidance of the Lead Scientist.
• Develop, deploy, refine, and troubleshoot in‑situ boundary plasma diagnostic systems to characterize key plasma parameters such as edge density, temperature, heat flux, plasma potential, fast ion distribution, and more.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design, maintain, and refine direct‑contact material diagnostics—such as Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, fast ion loss detectors, pyrobolometers, and thermo‑optical arrays.
• Plan and execute experiments on the C‑2W fusion device.
• Analyze complex experimental data with advanced modeling and simulation tools, interpreting results within the broader fusion research program.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal meetings, project reviews, and scientific conferences.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure while strictly following all safety protocols.
• Promote the TAE Core Values, Rules of the Road, and our Culture of Safety.

• PhD‑level research experience in experimental plasma physics, with a strong focus on in‑situ plasma diagnostics.
• Hands‑on experience building, deploying, troubleshooting, and maintaining diagnostics on plasma research devices.
• Direct experience with one or more of the following diagnostics highly preferred:
  Langmuir probes, retarding field analyzers, pyrobolometers.
• Demonstrated success in planning and conducting experiments, analyzing results, extracting physics‑based insights, and delivering technical reports or peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with scientific programming, data analysis, and data visualization using Python (preferred) or similar tools.
• Experience working with standard plasma diagnostic instrumentation and plasma research device infrastructure, including DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multimeters, high‑vacuum systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in team environments to meet project objectives and deadlines.

Required:

Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.

$110,000 – $130,000 per year, plus potential equity participation and rewards for referrals, novel research, and patents.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and sick time, company wide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave.
• Payment rewards: for referring talent, novel research, and patents.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities to collaborate across groups.
• Potential for equity participation.
• HQ in Southern California.
• Employee events on and off‑site.
• Commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization.

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  to request accommodations or more information.