Marathon Fusion · 17 hours ago
Research Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$150K/yr - $200K/yr
5+ years expMarathon Fusion is building the engineering technologies needed to scale fusion into real power plants. As a research scientist, you will design, deploy, and operate optical diagnostics to advance stable isotope production and fusion fuel cycle technologies, while collaborating with a team of plasma physicists and engineers.
Mechanical Or Industrial Engineering
Responsibilities
Lead the design, deployment, and iteration of optical plasma diagnostics and/or physical diagnostics for lithium plasmas and isotope separation experiments
Develop and field diagnostics such as high-resolution spectroscopy, interferometry, or Langmuir probes, to measure plasma velocity, temperature, and density
Design and execute experimental campaigns, including diagnostic calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis
Analyze and interpret experimental data, developing robust and well-documented data processing pipelines
Work closely with plasma physicists, mechanical engineers, and controls engineers to integrate diagnostics with experimental systems
Document experimental results and technical decisions to inform design iterations and program direction
Mentor and support junior scientists and engineers on the diagnostics team, raising overall execution quality and scientific rigor
Qualification
Required
M.S. or higher Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field
5+ years of hands-on experience developing and fielding experimental plasma diagnostics
Demonstrated experience owning diagnostics from concept through commissioning and operation
Strong background in optical diagnostics, such as spectroscopy, interferometry, or laser-based techniques
Proven experimental skills including instrument calibration, signal processing, and data analysis
Experience working in complex experimental environments such as high voltage, vacuum, strong magnetic fields
Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and translate diagnostic data into actionable insights
Comfort working in ambiguity, taking ownership of critical technical problems, and focusing effort on what moves the program forward
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred
PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field
Prior experience mentoring or technically leading other scientists or engineers
Experience in a startup or similarly fast-paced experimental R&D environment
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Generous paid time off and sick leave
401(k) plan, including 4% company contribution
Commuter benefits
Stocked office kitchen
Company
Marathon Fusion
Marathon Fusion designs, engineers and scales next-generation technologies to enable the deployment of fusion power plants.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$6.9MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyARPA-E
2024-08-20Grant
2024-07-18Seed· $5.9M
2024-07-18Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Kyle Schiller
CEO
Recent News
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