Principal Stellarator Coil Optimization Specialist:

About Thea Energy:  Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.  
Position overview:We are seeking highly motivated plasma physicists and mathematicians to join our team, focusing on the optimization of electromagnetic coils for stellarator magnetic fields. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in nonlinear optimization. Experience with magnetic confinement of plasma is a plus. You will work with an exciting and dynamic team, contributing to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement algorithms for the optimization of the configuration of electromagnets.
• Conduct optimizations of stellarator electromagnetic coil systems considering metrics for plasma performance, maintainability, and economics.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design a stellarator fusion system.
• Perform data analysis, model validation, and provide insights into the parametric dependence of coil systems.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in computational plasma physics, fusion energy, and optimization techniques.   

Required Experience & Skill Set:

• PhD Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field and 7+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of numerical optimization.
• Experience with magnetic plasma confinement, especially stellarators, is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, or MATLAB).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.
• Experience with stellarator and coil optimization, and software tools such as STELLOPT, SIMSOPT, DESC, FOCUS. Familiarity with fusion devices. Familiarity with advanced numerical optimization including nonlinearly constrained optimization and/or combinatorial optimization. Experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $150,000-$210,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO
• Work-life balance