Staff Engineer​/Physicist - Nuclear Fusion Research

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc., is seeking a highly motivated and experienced mid-career physicist or engineer with 5-10 years of expertise in applications of plasma physics to both pulsed and continuous fusion energy production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and will contribute to advancing our understanding and development of various nuclear fusion energy production processes.

Omaha, NE

Preferred start date:
October 1, 2026. The candidate may start as early as August 3, 2026, with a firm latest start date of December 1, 2026.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays

• Conduct research on nuclear fusion processes, including Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF), and Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF)
• Analyze and model plasma behavior in Field Reversed Configurations (FRC) and its stability under adiabatic compression
• Investigate the cross sections and reactivity of various fuels that primarily undergo aneutronic fusion, contributing to the development of a compact clean energy source
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement experiments and simulations, along with specialized diagnostics related to MTF fusion energy production
• Develop and apply empirically based predictive MHD models to enhance the understanding of plasma stability and performance
• Apply first-principle computer codes, e.g., ALEGRA, to support research and development efforts. Perform calculations to help design and interpret laboratory and field experiments
• Mentor junior researchers, promoting knowledge transfer within the team

• Ph.D. or better in Physics or Engineering in a relevant field
• 5-10 years of relevant research experience in applications of nuclear physics
• In-depth understanding of high-temperature plasma physics
• Proficiency in magnetohydrodynamics and experience with predictive modeling techniques, including first-principles MHD computer codes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance

• Active US DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance

• Thought Provoking:
  Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Leader:
  Inspires teammates to follow them
• Functional Expert:
  Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented:
  Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated:
  Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

• Self-Starter:
  Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion:
  Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit:
  Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
• Ability to Make an Impact:
  Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

• Doctor of Philosophy or better in Engineering

• Doctor of Philosophy or better in Physics

• 5-10 years:
  Relevant work experience

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