Senior Plasma Source Engineering Physicist

Zap Energy is currently looking for an Engineer or Scientist with deep subject matter expertise in plasma source and/or injection technologies, such as electromagnetically actuated neutral gas valves, fuel gas pre-ionization techniques and/or plasma guns and injectors. The ideal individual will be able to model, design, construct and test such systems for use in Zap’s high-voltage high-power plasma Z-pinch discharges. This role will be a lead role in these development areas, with engineering and technician support. The ideal candidate is an organized, inventive problem solver, capable of working through technical challenges and employing sound, pragmatic solutions through team efforts.  

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Develop, design, build, and test plasma injectors and fuel pre-ionizers and their pulsed power drivers 

• Develop a research and development plan for a small engineering and science team for fuel injection technologies (neutral gas and plasma) relevant for Z-Pinch fusion devices 

• Establish a test lab for building, designing and testing plasma (and gas) sources and drivers 

• Oversee the testing and refinement of plasma (and gas) source prototypes and production units 

Qualifications and Skills: 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline plus 15 years of experience

• Knowledge of plasma pre-ionization and injection methodologies, including various plasma source technologies and their high-voltage drivers 

• Experience with the research and development of plasma sources and high-speed gas valves for aerospace, defense, or scientific applications 

• Experience with designing and using pulsed power and high-voltage systems 

• Experience with high vacuum systems for plasma physics experiments 

• Proficiency with basic plasma diagnostics 

• Ability to analyze experimental data and report on conclusions obtained from experiments 

• Demonstrated ability to lead and complete assigned projects, working with scientific and technical staff 

• Excellent written and communication skills  

Preferred: 

• MS / ME in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline plus 10 years of experience

• Experience with computer-aided design (e.g., SolidWorks)Experience with pulsed power circuit modeling (e.g., PSpice, Ansys) 

• Experience with CFD flow simulation and thermal analysis 

• Experience with custom solenoid and valve design, including flow / orifice calculations 

• Experience with optical and laser-based plasma diagnostics, including interferometry and spectroscopy  

• Demonstrated work experience in scientific engineering research lab environments 

Benefits of joining Zap Energy - While doing meaningful work is rewarding in itself, we also offer the following programs and benefits for all employees:  

• Competitive salary and benefits  

• Premium medical / dental / vision insurance  

• Flexible vacation and paid company holidays  

The estimated salary range for this position is $130,000 to 170,000. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications.  Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act. 

Zap Energy is building a low-cost, compact and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology provides compelling fusion economics and requires orders of magnitude less capital than conventional approaches. Zap Energy has over one hundred team members in two facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors. 

As a high-growth company in the emerging fusion energy industry, we are in the early stages of building a technology that could change history. But no one says fusion will be easy and helping people understand our work, support our mission and build the foundation for a new industry will require clear communication, smart messaging, and a strong brand. 

Zap Energy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.    

Please contact careers@zapenergyinc.com with any questions.