Senior Research Engineer

About Zap Energy Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the Opportunity Zap Energy is currently seeking a Senior Research Engineer to help develop the next generation of Z-pinch fusion devices. The Senior Research Engineer will be involved at all stages of development and operation of high vacuum systems, plasma-facing electrodes, high-performance gas valves, plasma diagnostics, mechanical structures and devices, and other experiment systems. Zap Energy offers Senior Research Engineers the opportunity to work with broad focus, own their work, and participate in a dynamic, team-based fusion energy research environment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and operate devices for fusion energy research, including one or more of the following:

• • high vacuum systems

• plasma-facing electrodes

• high-performance gas valves

• plasma diagnostics

• mechanical structures and devices

• Take ambiguous technical problems and drive them to a working solution, including scoping, requirements definition, and design

• Work directly with physicists, engineers, and technicians across disciplines - translating between physics requirements and effective hardware

• Development of laboratory infrastructure and processes

Qualifications Required

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 6+ years of experience, including significant time in R&D, prototyping, or experimental settings
• Demonstrated success in multidisciplinary environments, working alongside physicists, engineers of other disciplines, and technicians
• A record of project ownership from end to end - from clean sheet through fabricated, tested, operating hardware
• Computer aided design (CAD) proficiency, SolidWorks preferred

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to excel when facing unfamiliar technical areas

• Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• • high vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, RGAs, and operations)

• electrode design, materials selection and evaluation

• gas valves and other fluid systems

• design and fabrication of mechanical structures and devices

• MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• Experience with finite element analysis (e.g. COMSOL or ANSYS)

• Experience with basic electronics, electrical fabrication, AC power

• Experience with high voltage and pulsed power

• Experience with mechanical fabrication methods (lathes, mills, drill presses, etc.)

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $140,000-190,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act. Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.