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Avalanche Energy is a Seattle-based startup developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation. The company is building modular fusion systems designed to provide power across diverse applications, from austere environments to deep sea vehicles, maritime transport, and lunar power systems.
In this senior physics role, you will lead plasma experiment development on dedicated test cells and work with a small, collaborative team on building, testing, and developing proprietary fusion machines, ion sources, electrodes, and high-voltage dielectric components. You will leverage your plasma physics expertise to run experiments, identify key insights, and communicate findings across the team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading plasma experiment development and test cell operations
- Planning and performing analysis on compact fusion machine configurations, including fusion power output, Bremsstrahlung radiation, and various loss mechanisms
- Designing and specifying experiment instrumentation, metrology tools, and diagnostic processes
- Leading scientific studies, including publishing papers and supporting regulatory and government outreach activities
- Traveling for conferences, meetings, and company offsite events as needed
The role emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, creative collaboration, and the ability to work across hardware development, experimental design, and data analysis. You will have exposure to a wide variety of technical challenges and opportunities for professional growth in a fast-moving fusion research environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in Physics, Engineering, or closely related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
- 5+ years of post-PhD experience
- Experience in design, procurement, specification, assembly, safety, operations, and analysis of plasma experiments
- Significant knowledge of plasma instrumentation and diagnostic tools
- Experimental data analysis and diagnosis capabilities
- Experience and knowledge of positive ion source technologies, tools, and methods
- Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments
BONUS SKILLS:
- Experience with high-energy plasmas
- Familiarity with plasma simulation codes, including Particle-in-Cell (PIC) methods
- Prior experience in the fusion industry
- COMSOL or FEM analysis experience
