R&D Specialist

Do Epic Science
TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon-free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality.

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion-generated electricity.

About The Role

We currently have an opening at our Foothill Ranch, CA (Orange County) facility for a R&D Specialist. The successful candidate will provide design, technical, and analytic support to the scientific and engineering staff in the Physics R&D at TAE Technologies in the areas of Vacuum Technology, electronics and mechanical engineering. The work will involve a mix of theoretical, design, and hands on work with UHV (Ultra High Vacuum) and electrical systems.

The Physics R&D Team at TAE Technologies supports research in the areas of fusion energy, electrical energy storage and distribution, and the development of sources for radiation oncology. Our areas of expertise include vacuum technology, neutral beams, RF heating, artificial intelligence, and pulse power electronics. In concert with a team of physicists and engineers, the successful candidate will aide in the design and testing of UHV and wall conditioning system by performing vacuum conductance, outgassing and pumping calculations, selecting appropriate vacuum hardware and materials and creating PIDs. This is a full-time position.

• Able to prototype and run test setups of such things as vacuum gauges, RGAs, sublimation systems, thin film monitors, glow discharge cleaning systems, and testing of materials for outgassing.
• Able to perform assembly, troubleshooting and maintenance of small to large (>25m3) UHV vacuum systems and assist in preparing pieces to build various diagnostic devices.
• Learn and become proficient in these analysis packages Molflow+ and Vactran.
• In addition to work on vacuum systems, the candidate will work on electronic and mechanics systems to support the R&D effort.

About You

• Prefer 1-2 years of hands-on experience working with vacuum equipment (roughing, cryo and turbo pumps, leak checkers, RGAs, and vacuum gauges)
• Prefer hands-on and theoretical experience with basic electronics and circuits
• Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge
• Understand basic vacuum theory and the ability to learn the physical basis of UHV, pumps, diagnostics, and vacuum vessel wall conditioning
• General familiarity with lab electronics equipment (oscilloscope, voltmeters, etc.)
• Basic Calculus level math skills
• Ability to work well individually and in groups
• Good interpersonal skills
• Standard PC/Mac OS skills, MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Know at least one programming language (e.g., MatLab, python)
• Familiarity with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Familiarity with databases (e.g., MySQL)
• Basic understanding of kinetic theory/thermodynamics
• Basic chemistry
• Experience coating and characterizing thin films is a plus.
• Experience working with plasmas and coating sources is a plus.
• Experience with large vacuum systems in a scientific, research, or industrial environment is preferred.

Education:

• Required : A.A Degree in vacuum technology. Preferred B.S in Engineering or Physics

Physical Requirements:

• Climbing
• Stooping/Bending
• Balancing in high places
• Working in cramped places

About Us:

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What you’ll get with us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program (for full-time employees)
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off-site
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

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TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us recruiting@tae.com to request accommodations or request more information.