Head of NBI Development

Position Summary

The Head of NBI Development leads Realta Fusions Neutral Beam Injector R&D team driving the design analysis and integration of NBI systems and subsystems for our magnetic mirror fusion devices. This senior technical leadership role demands deep scientific and engineering expertise proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and the vision to translate physics requirements into manufacturable reliable hardware. The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical credibility with strategic leadership thriving in a fast-paced environment where engineering decisions directly impact our path to commercial fusion energy. The Head of NBI Development owns the NBI roadmap from experimental devices through pilot plant and commercial deployment.

Company Overview

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanitys most pressing problem.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Strategy

Define and execute the technical roadmap for NBI systems across all company devices and future commercial applications

Identify technology gaps between current capabilities and commercial fusion requirements particularly for steady-state operation

Lead make-vs-buy decisions for NBI components and subsystems based on technical maturity cost and schedule

Establish design standards qualification procedures and configuration management practices for NBI systems

Represent Realta in external collaborations with national laboratories universities and NBI technology suppliers

Team Leadership & Development

Own the performance reliability and availability of all NBI systems across company experimental devices

Lead troubleshooting of system failures and drive root cause analysis to prevent recurrence

Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize unplanned downtime

Optimize NBI operating parameters to maximize plasma heating efficiency and experimental productivity

Ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance for high-voltage systems and radiation-producing equipment

NBI System Procurement & Deployment

Serve as technical lead for external NBI procurement contracts and vendor partnerships

Manage technical specifications delivery schedules and acceptance testing for purchased NBI systems

Oversee commissioning activities and development of operational procedures for new NBI installations

Advanced NBI Development

Lead internal R&D programs for novel NBI technologies required for steady-state fusion operation

Drive development of high-duty-cycle ion sources neutralizers and thermal management solutions

Evaluate emerging technologies including negative ion sources RF ion sources and advanced accelerator designs

Manage prototype development testing and validation of next-generation NBI subsystems

Develop cost models and manufacturing strategies for commercial-scale NBI production

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

Build and manage NBI scientific team including ion source specialists beamline scientists and diagnostics experts

Coordinate with experimental physics teams to align NBI capabilities with plasma heating requirements

Work with project management to maintain schedules budgets and risk mitigation plans for NBI programs

Collaborate with Director of Fusion Facilities on NBI infrastructure and safety requirements

Partner with mechanical and electrical engineering teams on NBI system integration

Ensure documentation knowledge capture and lessons learned across all NBI activities

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

Advanced degree in physics nuclear engineering electrical engineering or related field

15 years experience in NBI system or accelerator beamline development

5 years leading teams of 5 people

Track record delivering complex systems from concept through commissioning

Technical Expertise

Deep expertise in neutral beam injection systems ion sources or related particle accelerator technologies

Track record of managing complex experimental systems in fusion accelerator or plasma research environments

Experience with NBI diagnostics beam optics modeling and performance analysis

Leadership & Execution

Proven ability to lead mentor and develop high-performing scientific teams

Strong communication skills across technical and business audiences

Demonstrated success solving first-of-a-kind technical challenges

Comfortable in fast-paced startup environments with incomplete information and schedule pressure

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanitys biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally Realta offers:

Competitive compensation package including equity stock options

Comprehensive benefits including health dental and vision insurance plus a 401(k)

Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance

Work and live in Madison Wisconsin one of Americas most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status or any other protected status under applicable laws.