Sr Experimental Plasma Scientist

Avalanche • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation. Its modular systems are intended for applications ranging from austere environments and deep-sea vehicles to maritime transport and lunar power. The company emphasizes rapid hardware development and iteration, with a small, collaborative team.

The Senior Experimental Plasma Scientist is a technical leader in Avalanche’s Science organization. The role advances understanding of plasma physics as it applies to Avalanche’s fusion systems in a setting of rapid iteration, incomplete information, and evolving requirements. It is hands-on and closely connected to experimental systems, diagnostics, simulations, and engineering teams—not purely academic. The scientist will inform design decisions, interpret results, guide future experiments, exercise scientific judgment, and help the team work effectively.

Requirements

• PhD in plasma physics or a closely related field, or equivalent depth of experience.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in fusion plasma physics.
• Demonstrated ability to approach complex plasma physics problems analytically.
• Direct experience working with fusion-relevant plasma diagnostics.
• Comfort interpreting theory, simulation, and experimental results.
• Ability to work with a diverse team and independently, prioritize work, and make progress in ambiguous environments.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas across disciplines.
• Comfort iterating quickly and revising assumptions as new data emerges.
• Comfort coding in Python or similar languages.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working around high-voltage systems.
• Experience designing and setting up noninvasive plasma diagnostics.
• Familiarity with vacuum or ultra-high-vacuum systems.
• Experience with cryogenic systems or fluid handling.
• Automation or controls installation experience.
• Prior work in fast-paced, hardware-driven R&D environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and interpret plasma experiments in collaboration with the science team and engineers.
• Translate experimental results into clear, actionable recommendations for future experiments.
• Integrate experimental data, simulations, and theory to inform conclusions and guide next steps.
• Help determine which questions matter most at each stage of development and where effort should be focused.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and software engineering teams to incorporate plasma physics considerations into system design.
• Communicate complex plasma physics concepts clearly to non-plasma specialists.
• Provide scientifically grounded input for product and system trade studies.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers.
• Share knowledge, review analyses, and contribute to a collaborative and curious science culture.
• Help improve team practices for documentation, analysis, and communication.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 100% of premiums paid by the company.
• 10 paid holidays and a company-wide December holiday break.
• Generous paid vacation and sick time.
• Weekly employer-provided team meals.
• A well-stocked kitchen.
• Employee events on and off-site.
• Opportunity for equity.
• Hands-on professional growth through exposure to a wide variety of problems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree