Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

TAE Technologies, Inc•Lake Forest, CA

12d•$110,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. We are seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) who will develop in-situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. In this role, you will design, deploy, and troubleshoot 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 more. You will also run experiments, perform data analysis, and translate raw diagnostic signals into physics-based insights. This is a full-lifecycle scientific role. We are not just looking for a hardware builder, but a scientist who will own the entire experimental loop. You will lead the physical development of edge diagnostics, deploy them on the C-2W device, run the experimental campaigns, and critically analyze the resulting data to gain insight into the underlying physics and help guide design choices for our next-generation devices.

Requirements

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
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 but not limited to: DAQ systems, motorized actuators, power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, multi-meters, 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Develop, deploy, refine, and troubleshoot in situ boundary plasma diagnostic systems to characterize key plasma parameters such as local 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.

Benefits

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