Zap Energy · 1 day ago
Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)
Everett, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$120K/yr - $160K/yr
5+ years expZap Energy is focused on developing safe, reliable, zero-carbon energy through nuclear fusion technology. The Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) will advance the understanding of Z-pinch operation and utilize simulation tools to guide experimental design and operation.
Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergyRenewable Energy
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
Qualification
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
Benefits
Competitive compensation
Matching retirement contributions
Premium health insurance
Flexible vacation and paid company holidays
Company
Zap Energy
Zap Energy is developing compact fusion power that doesn't require magnets or lasers.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Zap Energy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (2)
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$337.8MKey Investors
Soros Fund ManagementUS Department of EnergyLowercarbon Capital
2024-09-26Series D· $130M
2023-05-31Grant· $5M
2022-06-07Series C· $160M
Leadership Team
Uri Shumlak
Chief Scientist, Co-Founder, Board Member
Brian Nelson
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2025-11-19
Company data provided by crunchbase