Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. Realta is targeting the need to decarbonize industrial process heat as the fastest path to full-scale deployment of our technology. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

The Theoretical and Computational Scientist will work with Realta’s technical teams to create the theoretical and computational models for a magnetic mirror reactor, validate those models against experiments, and develop the physics basis for a magnetic mirror fusion power plant. This position will collaborate with researchers in private, national laboratory, and academic research institutions - including with University of Wisconsin personnel working on the Wisconsin High-Temperature-Superconducting Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) device.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in a fast-paced scientific R&D program. Contribute scientifically to the design and validation of a computational model for a magnetic mirror plasma; conduct simulations and participate in code development collaboratively with academic researchers and Realta scientific staff.
• Develop the physics basis for the design of a magnetic mirror fusion power plant and perform plasma physics simulations to address key risks facing commercialization of magnetic mirror fusion energy systems using high-performance computing (HPC) systems and experimental data.
• Aid corporate fund raising by contributing to oral presentations and written proposals.
• Communication: Synthesize and present technical work internally and externally, communicate daily with project teams, technical leadership, and non-technical stakeholders to support programmatic needs.
• Culture and Values: Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that aligns with the company's mission, values, and sustainability goals, promoting innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement.

Required Qualifications

1. Education: Ph.D. in Plasma Physics or a related field.
2. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in computational and theoretical plasma physics.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with magnetic confinement fusion plasmas and fusion system design.

2. Knowledge of integrated plasma physics simulation tools and the ability to perform simulations with one or more of the following computational plasma physics techniques: particle-in-cell (PIC), gyrokinetics, full-wave radiofrequency heating solvers, Fokker-Planck equation solvers, and coupled fluid plasma-Monte Carlo neutral solvers.

3. Familiarity with Python, FORTRAN, and C programming languages and experience using HPC resources such as the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

4. The ability to interface with experimental physicists and to assist in the planning and interpretation of plasma experiments.

5. Communication skills (written, verbal, public presentation) to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are still encouraged to apply.

Compensation and benefits

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. That shared mission is a primary benefit of working in our team. Additionally, Realta offers:

• Competitive compensation, including equity stock options
• Excellent health / dental / vision and other benefits
• Flexible paid vacation/time-off
• The opportunity to work in one of America’s most livable cities, Madison, Wisconsin

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.