Sr Scientist - Neutral Beams
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 22, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 21, 2026. TAE Technologies scores B on the Alion truth index.
Do Epic Science
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.
About The Role
The next fusion machine in TAE - Da Vinci, requires a powerful NB injecting system. It has two types of the neutral beams - low energy NB (tens of keV, 5 MW per beamline), based on positive ions source and high energy NB (1 MeV, 5 MW), based on negative ions source.
You will participate in development of the long pulse plasma sources (CW), extracting and accelerating systems, beamline components; conduct experiments with the plasma source and beam characterization; do plasma generation and beam transport simulation.
The key accountabilities
- Conduct low temperature plasma experiments, do simulations of the plasma generation
- Develop/study/optimize ion beam optics
- Development of the new NB for the future plasma machine: simulations - beam formation, transport; beam parameters experimental characterization, design NB systems together with the engineering team, carry out experiments to test NB subsystems.
- Development of the beamline systems - vacuum systems, beam dumps, neutralizers, etc.
- Development diagnostics for the high-power NB (Secondary electron emission detectors, calorimeters, optical diagnostics, etc.)
About You
- Have worked with the following: Plasma sources, Neutral beam injectors. Experience in designing and operating plasma/beam diagnostics
- Ion/electron accelerators, beam transport
- Operation of high voltage equipment (>10 kV)
- Numerical simulation of the plasma generators, ion/electron beam formation, beam transport, mechanical/thermal tensions.
- High vacuum systems, UHV
- Negative ions sources
- Excellent analytical and data analysis skills.
- Experience in ion beams operation/development/design. Preferred hands-on negative ions beam operation
- Experience with various Programming Languages/Scripts/Macros as well as systems such as Python, Matlab or IDL is also useful.
Education
- Phd Required: preferred in physics, plasma physics, engineering or 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 . Salary Range offered for this position: $140,000 - $160,000
##Hybrid
About Us
Imagination, skill, and will
#Hybrid
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 on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.
What you’ll get with us
- Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
- Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
- A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to 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
Learn more
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 ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [email protected] to request accommodations or request 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. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.