Diagnostic Scientist

27 days ago
Full time role
In-person · Fremont, CA, US... more

About Pacific Fusion 

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders

About the Role

Job Overview:

Pacific Fusion is seeking exceptional Diagnostic Scientists to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will collaborate with engineers and scientists towards our demonstration of ignition and high-gain targets for fusion energy applications.

Responsibilities:

The main responsibility of a Diagnostic Scientist is to design and implement state-of-the-art diagnostics that will be used for target-physics experiments on our high-gain facility. Strong candidates will have the following core competencies: 

  • Independence: This role will require converting diagnostic requirements into viable conceptual designs and then implemented systems, in a fast-moving, dynamic, and innovative environment.

  • Domain expertise: A successful Diagnostic Scientist will be the internal expert on the diagnostic systems under their area of responsibility.

  • Creativity and problem solving: Aspects of our fusion system concept will require innovation in measurement methodology, while others may be rapidly solved by re-using existing technologies. Success in this role will require identifying the best path forward to our goals.

  • Insight: The ultimate goal of the diagnostic team is to build the capability to test our fusion concepts and identify paths towards improved performance. Diagnostic Scientists should be able to identify which measurements are the most critical to the success of experiments on our demonstration systems.

  • Teamwork: These problems are too big for any one person to solve on their own. All Diagnostic Scientists are expected to be strong communicators and thoughtful teammates. 

Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D degree in a relevant field, or other relevant experience speaking to the competencies above.

  • Experience with nuclear, x-ray, or optical diagnostics in fusion, high energy density physics, or other experimental science.

  • Multiple skills relevant to the development of these systems, e.g. analysis, modeling and simulation, testing and calibration.

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Ability to work cross functionally across a wide array of teams

Benefits:

  • Industry-competitive salary

  • Equity plan

  • 6% employer 401k matching

  • Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range. 

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know. 

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.