Sr Scientist - Neutral Beams

Rostoker Lab, 19631 Pauling, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, USA

TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon‑free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it’s harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment, we’re turning the promise of science into reality.

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: a future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion‑generated electricity.

The next fusion machine in TAE – Da Vinci – requires a powerful nuclear‑beam injecting system. It has two types of neutral beams – low‑energy NB (tens of keV, 5 MW per beamline), based on a positive ion source, and high‑energy NB (1 MeV, 5 MW), based on a negative ion source.

You will participate in the development of long‑pulse plasma sources (CW), extracting and accelerating systems, beamline components; conduct experiments with the plasma source and beam characterization; and do plasma generation and beam transport simulation.

Key accountabilities

• Conduct low‑temperature plasma experiments and simulate plasma generation.
• Develop, study, and optimize ion‑beam optics.
• Develop the new NB for future plasma machines: conduct simulations of beam formation and transport; experiment with beam parameters, design NB systems with the engineering team, and test NB subsystems.
• Develop beamline systems – vacuum systems, beam dumps, neutralizers, etc.
• Develop diagnostics for the high‑power NB (secondary electron emission detectors, calorimeters, optical diagnostics, etc.).

• Experience with plasma sources, neutral beam injectors, and plasma/beam diagnostics.
• Experience with ion/electron accelerators and beam transport.
• Operation of high‑voltage equipment (>10 kV).
• Numerical simulation of plasma generators, ion/electron beam formation, beam transport, mechanical/thermal stresses.
• Experience with high‑vacuum systems, UHV.
• Experience with negative‑ion sources.
• Excellent analytical and data‑analysis skills.
• Experience in ion‑beam operation, development, and design. Hands‑on negative‑ion beam operation is preferred.
• Experience with programming languages/scripts/macros (Python, MATLAB, IDL, etc.) is also useful.

• PhD required; preferred in physics, plasma physics, engineering or a related field.

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and job‑related knowledge, training, licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered. The compensation range for these roles is $100,000–$145,000.

#LI‑Onsite

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering innovative solutions that harness science to transform humanity.

• Generous benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and sick time, company‑wide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave.
• Payment rewards for referring talent, novel research, and patents.
• A collaborative environment where talents and interests can plug into different groups throughout the organization.
• Potential for equity participation.
• HQ in Southern California.
• Employee events on and off‑site.
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization.

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other employment benefits. Contact  to request accommodations or more information.

Note to Agencies: TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. Speculative CVs will not incur a fee.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.