Computational Scientist

Avalanche is a Seattle-based VC-backed start-up developing micro fusion reactors for clean energy generation and decarbonizing the economy. The small, modular design allows for various power applications and rapid design iterations. The company is seeking a self-motivated computational plasma physicist for their Seattle facility to help explore system parameters and new reactor configurations in support of the Orbitron program. The ideal candidate should be able to collaborate with a small team and be able to pivot between priorities to support rapid troubleshooting, design, build and test iterations. This position offers the opportunity to join an ambitious mission and help push humanity forward.

This job might be for you if:
You relish problem-solving and welcome challenging tasks with a dedicated team. You enjoy being hands-on and working with hardware. You thrive in an atmosphere of development; you are an ardent learner who's always looking for ways to grow and improve. You want to be part of a mission that matters.

Responsibilities and Duties:
- Develop, implement, and own multi-physics computational models of the plasmas within Avalanche’s ion gun and fusion device.
- Aid in the design and development of the ion gun beam optics.
- Help create the theoretical framework to understand the physics inside Avalanche’s ion gun and fusion device.
- Collaborate with fellow engineers to develop analytical tools to understand experimental data and correlate them to simulation results.
- Clearly communicate progress to inform design choices and verification of results.
- Support the team in brainstorming, planning, and building the company.

Qualifications and Skills:
What We're Looking For:
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related field with at least 5 years of computational and theoretical work experience on plasma systems
- Fundamental understanding of basic plasma physics, molecular gas dynamics, transport phenomena, and electromagnetic principles.
- Experience with COMSOL or similar multi-physics modeling software.
- Basic knowledge of electrical circuitry
- Proficiency with MatLab or Python for modeling and data analysis efforts.
- Proven success with projects requiring the “design, build, test” mentality, creative problem solving, and quick iterations.
- Proven capability to think critically and learn quickly about unfamiliar concepts.
· Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Bonus Skills:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related field with thesis incorporating both computational and theoretical elements related to plasma systems.
- Experimental experience with UHV plasma systems.
- Experience with CAD software.
- Familiarity with fusion experiments.
- Basic understanding of RF concepts.

Perks:
- Workplace flexibility
- Great medical, dental and vision benefits
- Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action
- Exposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growth
- Great coffee and a well-stocked kitchen
- Incredible start-up environment