Divertor Plasma Physicist

Thea Energy • Kearny, NJ

281d

About The Position

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. We are seeking highly motivated plasma physicists to join our team, focusing on analysis and simulation of the divertor region of a stellarator magnetic field. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in plasma physics, with a particular emphasis on plasma fluid models, neutral particle models, and/or atomic processes within a plasma. Experience with the boundary of fusion devices is a plus. You will work with an exciting and dynamic team, contributing to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Requirements

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 5+ years of experience or master’s degree in relevant field with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.
• Experience with the boundary of fusion devices, especially stellarators, is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Familiarity with simulation tools used in plasma physics research.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement algorithms for the simulation of fluid plasma within a complex magnetic edge topology.
• Conduct simulations and analysis of collisional edge plasma in stellarators, coupled with neutral-particle and atomic physics models.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design a stellarator divertor system.
• Perform data analysis, model validation, and provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing plasma behavior.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in computational plasma physics, fusion energy, and optimization techniques.

What This Job Offers

• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees