Plasma-Materials Scientist

About Thea Energy:
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma-Materials Scientist to join our team, focusing on plasma-facing material development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the research and development of plasma-surface interactions, with particular emphasis on material survivability evaluation, plasma and heat-induced erosion processes, and plasma contamination effects in fusion-relevant environments. You will work with high autonomy and ownership, and contribute to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Key responsibilities::
• Contribute to the construction and commissioning of a plasma device and diagnostics for exposing and evaluating plasma-facing material candidates.
• Collaborate with plasma-material exposure facilities and use materials characterization tools for surface evaluation.
• Provide technical guidance across team members in plasma device operation, plasma-material performance assessment and experimental planning.
• Participate in stellarator plasma-facing component operational campaign planning.
• Utilize computational and simulation tools to perform plasma-surface interaction simulations, thermal analysis, and contribute to multi-physics modeling efforts.

Required Experience & Skillsets::
• Master's degree in materials science, engineering, applied plasma physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Knowledge of basic plasma physics.
• Experience with vacuum systems.
• Experience with experimental plasma setups and diagnostics such as industrial plasma sources, RF plasmas, spectroscopic diagnostics, laser-based diagnostics, and electrostatic probes.
• Experience with surface analysis techniques such as electron microscopy, atomic-scale microscopy, and elemental composition analysis methods (e.g. XPS, EDX, Raman).
• Experience with one or more of the following: Python, MATLAB, FEA tools, COMSOL, C++, Fortran.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Strong attention to detail
• A passion for advancing fusion energy to commercialization.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets::
• PhD in applied plasma physics or a related field.
• Experience with fusion boundary plasmas and/or low-temperature plasmas.
• Experience with linear plasma devices.
• Experience in tokamak or stellarator divertor research.
• Experience with ERO2.0, TRIDYN, SDTrimSP/TRIM, WALLDYN, or RustBCA.

Company Benefits::
• Salary range $100,000-$160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.

Diversity and Inclusion:
Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.