Lead Particle Control Scientist

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 Lead Particle Control Scientist leads and contributes to the Particle Control Group within TAE’s Experimental Section. The group is responsible for developing and maintaining plasma fueling systems, implementing particle recycling control techniques (such as gettering and glow discharge cleaning), and designing and analyzing experiments related to particle transport. The group includes staff scientists with expertise in fueling, wall conditioning, and experimental design.

In this role, the Lead Scientist oversees the group’s technical direction and performance, providing planning and guidance based on objectives set by the Head of Experimental Systems. They support and manage group members, including making recommendations on hiring, promotions, and staffing, and conducting performance reviews. In addition to their leadership role, the Lead is expected to carry out individual scientific research, contribute to cross-functional projects, and occasionally represent TAE externally in conferences, collaborations, or recruiting.

• Lead the development, operation, and continuous improvement of plasma fueling systems (e.g., cold gas injection, pellet injection), including fueling system topology and best practices.


• Develop and maintain wall conditioning systems for particle recycling control, including titanium gettering and glow discharge cleaning systems.


• Design and execute experiments focused on particle transport, wall conditions, and plasma–material interactions.


• Provide regular analysis and reporting of system data (e.g., vacuum conditions, fueling efficiency, wall conditioning effectiveness); contribute to scientific publications.


• Organize and manage the Particle Control Group for high technical performance, clear communication, and collaboration.


• Provide planning and guidance to group activities aligned with goals set by the Head of Experimental Systems.


• Manage team staffing, development, and performance (e.g., hiring, promotions, mentorship, performance reviews).


• Maintain responsibility for any test stands under the group’s scope, ensuring alignment with experimental objectives.


• Participate in planning and design of future fusion devices, such as Da Vinci, with a focus on fueling and plasma–wall interface strategies.


• Collaborate with other technical groups across the organization in a matrixed project environment.


• Represent TAE in external settings such as conferences, collaborations, or recruiting events.


• Promote and embody TAE’s Core Values, Rules of the Road, and Culture of Safety.


• Foster technical and leadership growth within the group, encouraging scientific rigor, teamwork, and accountability.

About You

• At least 5 years of experience in plasma scientific research including laboratory experiments, diagnostics, and data analysis


• Experience with various plasma fueling systems such as puff valves, pellet injectors, neutral beams


• Experience with wall conditioning techniques such as glow discharge cleaning, evaporable gettering, machine baking


• Familiarity with plasma – wall interactions


• Other Preferred Experience:
  
  
  
  • Experience managing high level technical personnel as direct reports.
  
  
  • Experience managing large-scale scientific projects and/or collaborations.
  
  
  
  


• Technical Experience (Equipment, tools, etc.)
  
  
  
  • Understanding of the application of tools, test equipment, and process control such as high voltage power supplies, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, ionization gauges
  
  
  • Utilization of pneumatics and high speed gas valves
  
  
  • Experience with cryogenics is preferred
  
  
  
  


• Software Knowledge and Skills:
  
  
  
  • MS Office Suite
  
  
  • Experience with project collaboration platforms and document management systems preferred.
  
  
  • Experience with scientific analysis languages (Python, Matlab, IDL, etc.) preferred
  
  
  
  

Education

• Required: M.S. degree in Physics or a closely related field.


• Preferred: Ph.D. degree in Physics or a closely 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 (non-Sr., Sr., Lead or Manager). $140,000 - $170,000

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

About Us

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 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.com
Our podcast Good Clean Energy 
Instagram
LinkedIn

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.