R&D Lead Scientist

Zap Energy is currently looking for an experienced, accomplished, and motivated fusion scientist to fill a leadership position on our experimental physics team. This Lead Scientist role directly manages a team of experimentalists, designs and leads experimental campaigns, participates in defining the science strategies with other leaders, manages headcount and budget for the team and communicates progress with internal and external stakeholders. 
 
This position works with other Zap Energy scientific, engineering, and technical staff on the design, assembly, fielding, and operations of the next-generation Zap Energy SFS Z-pinch experiment. The ideal candidate is an organized, inventive problem solver, capable of working through technical challenges and employing sound, pragmatic solutions through team efforts. Critically, these competencies should be combined with natural leadership, good people management skills, excellent communication as well as strong project management experience.

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

Responsibilities: 

• Directly manage a team of 5-8 scientists and technical staff. 

• Define scientific strategy and development plans. 

• Design and lead experimental campaigns 

• Working with Zap Energy scientific, engineering, and technical staff, assist in the design, assembly, fielding, and operations of Zap Energy research experiments 

• Manage and/or perform data analysis, reduction, error propagation, publication, and presentation of experimental results, including computational results 

• Manage or lead design, fielding, and operations of multiple plasma diagnostic systems (interferometry, spectroscopy, neutronics, Thomson scattering, magnetics, etc.) 

• Communicate scientific progress and strategy to internal and external stakeholders 

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• Demonstrated ability to plan and lead complex, cross-functional projects

• Experience in leading the work of technical/scientific teams and managing direct reports 

• Experience in design, procurement, assembly, fielding, operations, and analysis of fusion plasma physics experiments 

• Ability to formulate and execute experimental run campaigns 

• Detailed knowledge of plasma diagnostics and instrumentation including: 

• Laser interferometry (pulsed digital holographic interferometry; CW heterodyne quadrature interferometry, etc.) 

• Spectroscopy (ion Doppler temperature and velocity measurements; soft X-ray electron temperature measurements; SPRED; etc.) 

• Neutronics (scintillator/PMT systems in pulse counting & current mode and calibration; activation detectors, etc.) 

• Magnetics (probes; Rogowski coils; current transformers, etc.) 

• Data analysis including reduction, interpretation, and error analysis 

• Project management and budgeting aptitude 

• Excellent written and communication skills 

 Preferred: 

• 5-10+ years post-PhD experience in fusion plasma physics research 

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 annual salary range for this position is $170K-220K. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and the actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. The range is published in accordance with the 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 approximately 150 team members in multiple facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors. 

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.

Questions on this position can be emailed to [email protected].