About Zap Energy

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer with dual competency in analog/mixed-signal electronics and PLC-based industrial control systems. The primary focus of this role is the design, prototyping, and qualification of custom measurement electronics for plasma diagnostics: schematic capture, PCB design, precision analog front-ends, and high-speed digitizer interfaces. As a secondary focus, you will contribute to PLC control system development for plasma devices and facility infrastructure, applying your hardware knowledge to close the loop between what the machine measures and how it is commanded to behave.

This is a hands-on, lab-embedded role. You will work at the bench and at the rack, bridging instrumentation hardware and the control systems that depend on it.

Key Responsibilities

Analog & Mixed-Signal Circuit Design  and Schematic Capture [Primary]

• Own the full analog and mixed-signal design flow: requirements capture, schematic entry, BOM generation, design review, layout guidance, and design-for-test.
• Develop schematics in SolidWorks Electrical, Altium Designer or any other equivalent EDA tools; maintain a structured component library with accurate symbols and SPICE models.
• Collaborate with PCB layout engineers or perform layout for high-speed, high-sensitivity, or noise-critical boards; apply best practices for ground plane management, shielding, and differential routing.
• Produce thorough design documentation: block diagrams, signal flow descriptions, net lists, and design review packages.
• Design precision analog front-ends for current, voltage, and magnetic field measurement: instrumentation amplifiers, transimpedance amplifiers, differential receivers, and anti-aliasing filters.
• Design and characterize passive and active signal conditioning networks: attenuators, voltage dividers, impedance-matching networks, and isolation amplifiers for high-voltage environments.
• Develop mixed-signal interfaces between sensor front-ends and high-speed ADCs; design clocking, reference, and power supply distribution for low-noise digitizer front-ends.
• Design galvanic isolation circuits for high-common-mode-voltage measurement: optocouplers, digital isolators, and isolated DC/DC converters.

Measurement Systems for Pulsed-Power & Plasma Diagnostics  [Primary]

• Design and qualify Rogowski coils, current transformers, and shunt-based current measurement circuits for high-current (kA–MA) pulsed discharges with nanosecond–microsecond rise times.
• Design voltage measurement systems: capacitive and resistive dividers for high-voltage (kV–MV) transient signals.
• Develop magnetic pickup coil circuits (B-dot probes, integrators, flux loops) and characterize their frequency response using VNA and impulse methods.
• Interface measurement electronics to high-speed digitizers (8–14 bit, 10 MS/s–1 GS/s) from D-TACQ, CAEN, Spectrum Instrumentation, and NI; manage signal-path impedance, termination, and cable delay.
• Characterize diagnostic signals in high-EMI pulsed-power environments; design shielding, filtering, and grounding strategies to maximize signal integrity.

Prototyping, Test & Characterization  [Primary]

• Build and debug prototype circuits; perform bench-level characterization: frequency response (VNA), noise floor, linearity, and dynamic range.
• Develop and execute board-level test and calibration procedures; document acceptance criteria and calibration chains.
• Use lab instrumentation proficiently: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, LCR meters, VNAs, function generators, and precision DMMs.

PLC Control System Development  [Secondary]

• Develop and maintain PLC programs in IEC 61131-3 (Structured Text, Function Block Diagram) using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 on EtherCAT-based I/O architectures.
• Implement and review interlock logic, fault handling, and shot sequencing state machines for plasma devices; apply hardware knowledge to set safe signal thresholds and trip conditions.
• Integrate analog and digital I/O modules and measurement electronics outputs into the PLC I/O fabric; configure EtherCAT terminals (e.g., EL3632, EL3356, EL6001) for sensor acquisition.
• Contribute to operator interface (OPI) development: configure process variable displays and alarm panels in CSS-BOY, Phoebus, or TwinCAT HMI reflecting real-time diagnostic data.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to define ADC-to-PLC data pathways, synchronization requirements, and scan-cycle timing constraints.
• Support commissioning of new control cabinets: review I/O wiring, verify signal continuity, and perform end-to-end functional acceptance tests from sensor to PLC to HMI.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience designing analog or mixed-signal PCBs from schematic to fabricated, brought-up hardware.
• Proficiency with at least one professional EDA tool for schematic capture and PCB layout (KiCad, Altium, Cadence OrCAD, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of operational amplifier circuit design: feedback theory, noise analysis, stability, and common topologies (TIA, INA, difference amplifier, integrator).
• Demonstrated ability to characterize circuits using VNAs, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and precision bench instruments.
• Working knowledge of PCB signal integrity: impedance control, differential pairs, return-path management, and decoupling strategy.
• Some exposure to industrial control systems or PLC programming; willingness to develop PLC skills as part of the role.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write concise design documentation, test procedures, and technical reports.
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Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced skills with schematic capturing for industrial systems (IEC81346 standard or equivalent) as well as schematic capturing for PCBa based component-level electrical circuits.
• Experience designing measurement electronics for pulsed-power, high-voltage, or high-current applications.
• Hands-on background with Rogowski coils, B-dot probes, current transformers, or inductive diagnostics.
• Familiarity with RF measurement techniques: S-parameter measurement, transmission line theory, impedance matching.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT I/O configuration; IEC 61131-3 Structured Text proficiency.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition hardware from D-TACQ, CAEN, Spectrum Instrumentation, or NI.
• SPICE simulation experience (LTspice preferred); ability to model passive networks, filters, and feedback amplifiers.
• Knowledge of high-voltage isolation design techniques and relevant safety standards (IEC 61010, NFPA 79).
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for automated test, calibration scripting, or data analysis.
• Exposure to plasma physics diagnostics, accelerator instrumentation, or nuclear/particle physics front-end electronics.

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated compensation range: $100,000–$150,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act. 

Zap Energy 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.