Senior Computational Plasma Scientist

About the role

This role drives fusion power plant progress by converting simulation data into engineering decisions and scientific insight. The position bridges analysis, experimentation, and design to address high-stakes energy challenges.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Executing internal MHD simulations across varied initial conditions and postprocessing requirements reveals how FRC behavior responds to changing parameters, which guides scenario selection and analysis.

Generating FRC evolution, circuit response, and magnetic loading data helps shape the design and development of future fusion generators by exposing critical electromagnetic and structural constraints.

Reconstructing experimental conditions through simulation allows interpretation of measurements and validation of model predictions against observed plasma and machine performance.

Partnering with physics and engineering specialists expands domain knowledge and simulation capabilities, incorporating shared insights and cross-disciplinary perspectives into refined approaches.

Producing accurate reports, presentations, and graphics communicates simulation outcomes and technical findings clearly to scientific and engineering audiences, supporting collaborative decision-making.

Requirements

Earning a PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field demonstrates foundational expertise required for advanced simulation work.

Bringing three or more years of post-graduation experience running, analyzing, or interpreting MHD simulations in academic, national lab, or industry contexts provides practical familiarity with complex plasma models.

Applying magnetic field diffusion, eddy current physics, circuit response, and transient electromagnetic effects correctly ensures robust simulation setup, reliable interpretation, and sound engineering tradeoffs.

Showing a strong grasp of FRC physics lets you connect MHD simulation outputs to plasma behavior, experimental observations, and machine performance metrics in meaningful ways.

Writing scripts to analyze output, parse data files, and create plots using common coding languages such as MATLAB, Fortran, C, or Python enables efficient insight extraction and reproducibility.

Designing and running independent simulation studies, including model setup, assumption testing, parameter scans, validation checks, sensitivity studies, and results interpretation, supports comprehensive exploration of plasma dynamics.

Using computer simulation tools for circuit dynamics, fluid dynamics, transient magnetics, or plasma dynamics integrates these methods into daily workflows for predictive modeling.

Practical notes

US work authorization is mandatory for this position. The role is based in Everett, WA, and requires on-site presence as defined by team policies. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Work in this field relies on computational plasma physics tools such as MHD and FRC simulation software to capture complex electromagnetic and fluid behavior.

Daily tasks often involve translating experimental measurements into simulation inputs and using those results to refine physical understanding and model fidelity.

The team culture values urgency, rigor, ownership, and direct communication about challenges to reach ambitious energy milestones.

This role directly supports the development of clean, reliable, and affordable energy by advancing the path to a functioning fusion power plant.