Scientist – Radio Frequency Plasma Heating

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

CFS is looking for an enthusiastic scientist to join the team to operate the SPARC ion cyclotron heating system and study RF physics in SPARC and ARC.

The SPARC tokamak aims to be the first magnetic confinement device to achieve net energy and is predicted to have up to Q=11 in DT, producing up to 140 MW of fusion power. The sole auxiliary heating for SPARC is a 120 MHz, 25 MW (coupled) Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) system that will launch into SPARC via an array of 14 4-strap ICRH antennas. The novel, solid-state 120 MHz sources are already in production and the antennas have completed final design.

The Scientist – Radio Frequency Plasma Heating will be vital to the successful commissioning and operation of this new system. They will prepare for commissioning via simulations of the antennas and the plasmas and then will be a key part of the team to operate SPARC and to design ARC.

Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Technical Fellow level roles are available depending on the candidate’s experience.

This team member will

• Simulate the SPARC ICRH antennas to inform their commissioning and operation
• Contribute to the build and test of prototype ICRH antennas and components
• Develop commissioning and operation plans and procedures for the ICRH system
• Inform the implementation of the ICRH control system and operator interfaces
• Commission the SPARC ICRH system into early plasmas
• Operate the SPARC ICRH system during Q>1 and high power DT plasmas
• Study the physics of radio frequency waves in SPARC
• Provide input to ARC design through simulation and modeling efforts- Coordinate a multi-institutional team of collaborators from universities and national labs

Requirements

• PhD in experimental plasma physics or a closely related field
• 2+ years experience (post degree) working with radio frequency heating or current drive systems in fusion plasmas (this may include ion cyclotron, lower hybrid, helicon, or other similar wave systems)
• Experience running experiments on tokamaks, stellarators, or similar plasma confinement devices
• Experience developing hardware for plasma physics experiments
• A drive toward practical solutions to integrated physics and engineering challenges
• Experience with Python
• A desire for active participation in tokamak design and operations

Additional experience and/or qualifications

• Experience working with COMSOL, CST, or similar finite element tools
• Experience working with AORSA, TORIC, or CQL3D or similar tools
• Perform activities such as typing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.