Computational Plasma Physicist

Thea Energy is building an economical and scalable fusion energy system utilizing arrays of mass manufacturable magnets and dynamic software controls. Commercial fusion energy can uniquely provide a abundant source of zero-emission power for a sustainable future. Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in computation and controls to reinvent the stellarator, a scientifically mature form of magnetic fusion technology. Thea Energy was founded in 2022 as a spin-out of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University, where the stellarator was originally invented. Thea Energy is currently designing its first integrated fusion system, Eos, based on its planar coil stellarator architecture which will produce fusion neutrons at scale and in steady-state.

 

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.  

 

We are seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to join our team, focusing on stellarator and fusion plasma physics simulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in computational physics, with a particular emphasis on MHD stability in stellarators and stellarator optimization. You will work with minimal supervision, contributing to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

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.  

 

Qualifications:

PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, or master’s degree in relevant field with 2+ years of experience.

Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.

Experience with stellarators is a plus.

Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

 

Preferred Skills:

Experience with any of the stellarator design, stability or transport codes such as DESC, STELLOPT, VMEC, TERPSICHORE, M3DC-1, GX, GENE-3D.

Understanding of optimized stellarator magnetic field generation and coil optimization techniques.

Experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

 

Personal Attributes:

Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.

Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.

Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Salary range $120,000 - $140,000

Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO