Staff Scientist - Plasma Material Interaction

Role details

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:    Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.   Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.   We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.   Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us.

People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.    If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Principal Scientist - Radio Frequency Plasma Heating CFS is looking for an enthusiastic experimental RF Scientist/Engineer to join the team to operate the SPARC ion cyclotron heating system and study RF physics/engineering 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 and the ICRH antennas are already in production. The Ion Cyclotron Discharge Cleaning (ICDC) System provides one of several mechanisms to clean and condition the exposed surfaces within the Tokamak confinement vessel, including boronization of plasma facing components. The ICDC System is similar in design but wholly distinct from the ICRF, with its own transmitter, transmission network, and antennas. The Scientist – Radio Frequency Plasma Heating will be vital to the successful commissioning and operation of both the ICRH and ICDC systems.

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.

What you'll do

- Build computational workflows to predict PFC material degradation under plasma loading conditions, and subsequent impact on plasma performance - Build computational workflows to predict PFC material degradation under neutron irradiation - Support ARC design team by running predictive models to inform PFC material lifetime estimates, component shaping, and consequences of overloading - Conduct experimental tests of candidate ARC materials at test facilities around the world, including PMI, heat loads, and neutron irradiation - Leverage SPARC experimental data to benchmark predictive models used for ARC design and optimization - Develop interpretive models used to infer PFC material state from power plant relevant diagnostics - Serve as a bridge between the Plasma Physics Department, Materials Science Department, and Nuclear Engineering Department at CFS - Manage collaborations with universities, national labs, and private companies, around the world - Present scientific results at technical conferences and in a peer reviewed publications

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Must-have Requirements: - Perform extended activities such as typing, standing, sitting, etc. - Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally - 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 #LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.   We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless 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. S.

laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.