Fusion Plasma Physicist

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 plasma physicist for their Seattle facility to help build, test and develop fusion reactor systems to support the Orbitron reactor development project. 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 include:
- Lead plasma experiment development
- Lead, plan and perform hand calculations, perform analysis on reactor configurations including fusion power, bremsstrahlung and various loss mechanisms
- Plan, design and specify experiment instrumentation and metrology tools and processes
- Lead avalanche’s scientific studies including publishing papers and supporting regulatory, government outreach and proposal activities

Qualifications and Skills:

Desired Skills and Experience:
- PhD in physics or engineering or closely related field or relevant experience
- Experience in design, procurement, specification, assembly, safety, operations, and analysis of plasma experiments
- Significant knowledge of plasma instrumentation and diagnostic tools and instrumentation
- Experimental data analysis and diagnosis
- Experience and knowledge of positive ion source technologies, tools and methods

Bonus Skills and Experience:
- Experience with high energy plasma
- Experience with plasma simulation codes including Particle-in-Cell (PIC) modelling
- Experience in fusion industry
- Experience with COMSOL/FEM analysis
- 5+ years post-PhD experience

Perks:
- Workplace schedule 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
- Stock options in a potentially transformative company with unicorn potential
- Some other stuff- you'll just have to see it