Plasma-Materials Scientist
5 days ago
Kearny
Job DescriptionAbout Thea Energy: 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. Position Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma-Materials Scientist to join our team, focusing on plasma-facing material development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the research and development of plasma-surface interactions, with particular emphasis on material survivability evaluation, plasma and heat-induced erosion processes, and plasma contamination effects in fusion-relevant environments. You will work with high autonomy and ownership, and contribute to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.Key responsibilities: • Contribute to the construction and commissioning of a plasma device and diagnostics for exposing and evaluating plasma-facing material candidates., • Collaborate with plasma-material exposure facilities and use materials characterization tools for surface evaluation., • Provide technical guidance across team members in plasma device operation, plasma-material performance assessment and experimental planning., • Participate in stellarator plasma-facing component operational campaign planning., • Utilize computational and simulation tools to perform plasma-surface interaction simulations, thermal analysis, and contribute to multi-physics modeling efforts.Required Experience & Skillsets:, • Master's degree in materials science, engineering, applied plasma physics, chemistry, or a related field., • Knowledge of basic plasma physics., • Experience with vacuum systems., • Experience with experimental plasma setups and diagnostics such as industrial plasma sources, RF plasmas, spectroscopic diagnostics, laser-based diagnostics, and electrostatic probes., • Experience with surface analysis techniques such as electron microscopy, atomic-scale microscopy, and elemental composition analysis methods (e.g. XPS, EDX, Raman)., • Experience with one or more of the following: Python, MATLAB, FEA tools, COMSOL, C++, Fortran., • Ability to work independently and manage projects., • Strong attention to detail, • A passion for advancing fusion energy to commercialization., • Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.Ideal Experience & Skillsets:, • PhD in applied plasma physics or a related field., • Experience with fusion boundary plasmas and/or low-temperature plasmas., • Experience with linear plasma devices., • Experience in tokamak or stellarator divertor research., • Experience with ERO2.0, TRIDYN, SDTrimSP/TRIM, WALLDYN, or RustBCA.Company Benefits:, • Salary range $100,000-$160,000, • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision), • Employee equity stock options