R&D Engineer - Fusion Generator Operations

You will help operate and advance the most powerful, pulsed-fusion device ever constructed to generate electrical power. As a member of the Research and Development team, you will play a critical role in the safe, reliable, and repeatable operation of high-energy fusion systems. You will contribute to the execution of fusion experiments, system readiness, and continuous improvement of machine performance.

You Will:

• Operate and support the day-to-day execution of Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion experiments, ensuring safe and repeatable machine performance.
• Control and monitor pulsed power systems, including mega-joule capacitor banks and high-energy infrastructure, with a focus on operational reliability and readiness.
• Own system readiness for experiments, including pre-shot setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues in high-energy and large-scale vacuum systems to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency.
• Apply plasma physics concepts to support experiment execution and interpret diagnostics for magnetic fields, fusion products, and plasma characteristics.
• Drive continuous improvement of machine operations, including refining procedures, improving system robustness, and reducing variability in experimental results.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, science, and production teams to improve system performance and operational throughput.

Required Skills:

• B.S. with 4+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving high-vacuum chamber systems or high-voltage capacitor systems.
• Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Proven experience executing complex experiments or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new technologies and take ownership of operational systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively to real-time issues with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and contribute to a high-performance operational environment.
• Experience mentoring or training others in system operation is a plus.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families.
• 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days).
• 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break.
• Up to 5% employer 401(k) match.
• Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks).
• Annual wellness stipend.