Plasma Diagnostics Lead

OpenStar Technologies

OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to capture the power of the Sun. By mastering fusion, the process that powers the stars, we can generate safe, clean, carbon-free, baseload electricity in a way that is economically scalable to the challenge of mitigating climate disaster and giving birth to the next industrial revolution. The team is currently made up of 63 talented engineers and physicists, based in Wellington, New Zealand.

At OpenStar Technologies, our culture is founded on a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We empower every member of our team with meaningful responsibility, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive in pursuit of our collective mission.

Job Description

In this role, you will be expected to take the lead in scoping, and producing a diagnostics suite for 'Tahi' - the next generation of our Levitated Dipole device. This is a large project and will require some project management experience, effective collaboration with the rest of the plasma team, and in-depth knowledge of a wide range of diagnostic methodologies and tools.

We encourage people with broad experience to apply for this position. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects and collaborate across the whole experiment. There is some flexibility in this role, and we will mould the position around the right candidate.  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the diagnostics efforts for the Tahi project, from scoping to execution.


• Define and implement parameters to be measured, developing methods and tools to achieve these objectives.


• Collaborate actively with the Plasma Team, ensuring seamless integration of diagnostic systems with project goals.

Requirements

• 3-5 years experience with a PhD relevant to fusion plasma diagnostics, or 5-7 years with a MSc relevant to fusion plasma diagnostics.


• Comprehensive knowledge of a range of plasma diagnostic techniques, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Thomson scattering
  
  
  • Phase contrast imaging
  
  
  • Bolometry
  
  
  • Neutron detection
  
  
  
  


• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to scope, plan, and execute diagnostic systems development.


• Exceptional communication skills, enabling effective teamwork and reporting across multidisciplinary teams.

Employment Details

Employment type: Full-time - permanent employment

Compensation: Competitive cash salary + employee stock option plan

Leave: 25 days per annum

Health Insurance: Location Dependent

Location: This role has the scope to be located either in Wellington, New Zealand or Boston, MA. At OpenStar, we believe in our employees' ability to structure their work in a way that works best for them. We are flexible on hours and working from home. However, given the critical nature of this role and its impact on company culture, it must be undertaken primarily with the rest of the team, in office.

This opportunity boils down to the chance to work on something truly meaningful. The scariest thing about the climate crisis today is that, for all of our bluster and protest, there are very few of us who actually have a chance to do meaningful work solving this problem. Carbon-free energy is an absolute necessity if we want to be able to recognise the world that our children and grandchildren inherit. Please join us in making this a reality!