Lead Particle Control Scientist

Do Epic Science TAE is the worlds 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 its harnessing fusion through the science of stars making exponential leaps in power efficiency or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: Were turning the promise of science into reality.

Were 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

The Lead Particle Control Scientist leads and contributes to the Particle Control Group within TAEs Experimental Section. The group is responsible for developing and maintaining plasma fueling systems implementing particle recycling control techniques (such as gettering and glow discharge cleaning) and designing and analyzing experiments related to particle transport. The group includes staff scientists with expertise in fueling wall conditioning and experimental design.

In this role the Lead Scientist oversees the groups technical direction and performance providing planning and guidance based on objectives set by the Head of Experimental Systems. They support and manage group members including making recommendations on hiring promotions and staffing and conducting performance addition to their leadership role the Lead is expected to carry out individual scientific research contribute to cross-functional projects and occasionally represent TAE externally in conferences collaborations or recruiting.

• Lead the development operation and continuous improvement of plasma fueling systems (e.g. cold gas injection pellet injection) including fueling system topology and best practices.
• Develop and maintain wall conditioning systems for particle recycling control including titanium gettering and glow discharge cleaning systems.
• Design and execute experiments focused on particle transport wall conditions and plasmamaterial interactions.
• Provide regular analysis and reporting of system data (e.g. vacuum conditions fueling efficiency wall conditioning effectiveness); contribute to scientific publications.
• Organize and manage the Particle Control Group for high technical performance clear communication and collaboration.
• Provide planning and guidance to group activities aligned with goals set by the Head of Experimental Systems.
• Manage team staffing development and performance (e.g. hiring promotions mentorship performance reviews).
• Maintain responsibility for any test stands under the groups scope ensuring alignment with experimental objectives.
• Participate in planning and design of future fusion devices such as Copernicus and Da Vinci with a focus on fueling and plasmawall interface strategies.
• Collaborate with other technical groups across the organization in a matrixed project environment.
• Represent TAE in external settings such as conferences collaborations or recruiting events.
• Promote and embody TAEs Core Values Rules of the Road and Culture of Safety.
• Foster technical and leadership growth within the group encouraging scientific rigor teamwork and accountability.

About You

• At least 5 years of experience in plasma scientific research including laboratory experiments diagnostics and data analysis
• Experience with various plasma fueling systems such as puff valves pellet injectors neutral beams
• Experience with wall conditioning techniques such as glow discharge cleaning evaporable gettering machine baking
• Familiarity with plasma wall interactions
• Other Preferred Experience:
  • Experience managing high level technical personnel as direct reports.
  • Experience managing large-scale scientific projects and/or collaborations.
• Technical Experience (Equipment tools etc.)
  • Understanding of the application of tools test equipment and process control such as high voltage power supplies voltmeters oscilloscopes ionization gauges
  • Utilization of pneumatics and high speed gas valves
  • Experience with cryogenics is preferred
• Software Knowledge and Skills:
  • MS Office Suite
  • Experience with project collaboration platforms and document management systems preferred.
  • Experience with scientific analysis languages (Python Matlab IDL etc.) preferred

Education

• Required: M.S. degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Ph.D. degree in Physics or a closely related field.

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. Lead or Manager). The compensation range for these roles are $135000 - $155000.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

About Us

Imagination skill and will

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 youll 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

Learn more

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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 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.