Help us power the planet.

The planet urgently needs safe, reliable, zero-carbon energy without waste. Nuclear fusion can address the scale of this problem, but for decades, existing fusion approaches have not proven a net positive energy gain. Zap Energy has rethought the fundamental technology of fusion. As the only company using sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch, we present potentially the fastest path to commercially available fusion energy.

As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you’ll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you’ll deploy fluid and kinetic plasma simulation tools to guide experimental design and operation. Your work will address fundamental design challenges and shape strategies for generating and sustaining stable fusion conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of models that capture essential physics in the formation and sustainment of the sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch
• Deploy computational tools for simulating compression physics, shock heating, turbulent and kinetic transport, plasma sheaths, atomic and molecular reactions, two-fluid effects, and 3D phenomena
• Validate models against experimental data and refine predictive capabilities
• Collaborate with experimental teams to harness modeling insights to guide device design and operation
• Share findings through publications and presentations at conferences

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, or a closely related field and 5-10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading computational design optimization and experimental validation
• Strong knowledge of scientific computing and algorithms (CFD, MHD, continuum kinetic modeling, PIC, etc.
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively

Preferred:

• Experience with AI augmentation of design-build-test loops
• Familiarity with kinetic plasma physics and modeling
• Knowledge of atomic and molecular physics of plasmas or combustion reaction chemistry
• Expertise in modeling turbulent transport
• Expertise in high-performance computing workflows

Estimated salary range: $130,000-185,000 annual.

Zap Energy also offers the following: 

• Competitive compensation 
• Matching retirement contributions 
• Premium health insurance 
• Flexible vacation and paid company holidays 

Zap Energy is building a low-cost, compact and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology offers the shortest potential path to commercially viable fusion and requires orders of magnitude less capital than traditional approaches. Zap Energy has over 60 employees in two facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors.

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 Inc. 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.    

Questions on this position can be sent to careers@zapenergyinc.com.