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Plasma Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fuse

Computational Physicist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch ... D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. * Strong ...

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma-Materials Scientist to join our team, focusing on plasma ...

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma-Materials Scientist to join our team, focusing on plasma ...

Thea Energy

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team.

Thea Energy

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Kearny, NJ

$110K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team.

Applied Materials

Physicist / Scientist V

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

Determine meaningful data required to distinguish between plasma-driven, EM-driven, thermal-driven ... Provide physics-based guidance during chamber, module, and sub-module design reviews, with emphasis ...

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How much do plasma physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plasma physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Plasma Physicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plasma Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computational modeling, typically supported by a PhD in plasma physics or a related field. Familiarity with specialized simulation software, diagnostic instrumentation, and laboratory equipment such as tokamaks or plasma reactors is common. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective scientific communication are essential soft skills for success. Together, these skills enable Plasma Physicists to conduct complex experiments, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to advancements in research and technology.

What is the highest paid field in physics?

In physics, roles such as nuclear physicists, medical physicists, and physicists working in aerospace or defense tend to have the highest salaries, often due to specialized skills and security clearances. Plasma physicists, while essential in research and energy sectors, generally earn competitive but not the highest salaries within the field of physics.

How much do plasma physicists make?

Plasma physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Those working in research or government labs may have different pay scales, and advanced skills in computational modeling or experimental techniques can lead to higher compensation.

What is a Plasma Physicist job?

A Plasma Physicist studies ionized gases, known as plasmas, which are found in stars, fusion reactors, and various industrial applications. They conduct experiments, develop simulations, and apply theoretical models to understand plasma behavior. Their work is essential in advancing fusion energy, space physics, and technologies like plasma thrusters and semiconductor manufacturing. Plasma Physicists often work in research institutions, government labs, or private industry.

What do plasma physicists do?

Plasma physicists study the properties and behavior of plasma, the fourth state of matter, often working on research related to nuclear fusion, space phenomena, or industrial applications. They use specialized tools like particle accelerators and computer simulations to analyze plasma dynamics and develop technologies for energy production, space exploration, or medical devices.

What kinds of research projects or experiments do Plasma Physicists typically work on?

Plasma Physicists commonly engage in experimental and theoretical research related to controlled fusion, space plasma phenomena, or plasma applications in material processing and medicine. Their work often involves designing and conducting experiments using advanced equipment such as magnetic confinement devices, lasers, or high-voltage systems. Collaboration with engineers, computational scientists, and other physicists is typical to analyze data and optimize experimental setups. Plasma Physicists also frequently present findings at conferences and publish in scientific journals, contributing to ongoing advancements in the field.

Is plasma physics a good career?

Plasma physics is a specialized field within physics that involves studying ionized gases and their applications, such as in fusion energy, space science, and industrial processes. Careers in plasma physics often require advanced degrees and involve research, laboratory work, and collaboration with engineering teams, offering opportunities in academia, government labs, and industry. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in scientific research and technological development, but job availability may be competitive and dependent on funding and research priorities.
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Plasma Physicist jobs near you
Computational Physicist

Computational Physicist

Fuse

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Fuse
Fuse is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to fusion energy. Our core product is TITAN: an Impedance Matched Marx Generator (IMG). TITAN is the most efficient and powerful (TW) machine of its kind. Fusers have built and licensed Magical Unicorn and FAETON I, 2 novel pulsed power generators.
You are joining an early-stage fusion company. Please expect to wear different hats and take 0 to 1 ownership of objectives. Changing the world is hard but honorable and fulfilling. You should expect to work extremely hard to make a dent. This is not a regular job. Fusers are on a mission to change the world and get shit done.
About the Role
We are seeking a talented and motivated Computational Physicist to join our team. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in physics, mathematics, and computational methods to develop models and simulations that explore complex physical systems and phenomena. Your work will contribute to advancements in areas such as materials science, energy, aerospace, or quantum computing, depending on the company’s focus.
Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and run simulations for pulsed power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models. 

  • Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation and delivery. 

  • Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations. 

  • Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics. 

  • Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads. 

  • Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models and optimize system performance. 

  • Develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC). 

  • Analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports. 

  • Develop software tools and algorithms to optimize simulation processes and improve computational efficiency. 

  • Stay up to date with advancements in computational techniques, programming languages, and physical theories to apply state-of-the-art methodologies to projects. 

  • Contribute to academic papers, technical reports, and presentations, sharing results with both internal teams and external collaborators. 

  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. 

Minimum Requirements

  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. 

  • Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics. 

  • Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes. 

  • Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques. 

  • Solid understanding of pulsed power systems, high-voltage engineering, and plasma diagnostics. 

  • Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB for numerical modeling. 

  • Experience with HPC environments and parallel computing 

  • Strong foundation in theoretical physics, including knowledge of quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, or statistical mechanics. 

  • Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail. 

  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex results to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus devices, and fusion energy concepts. 

  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods. 

  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions. 

  • Experience working in experimental plasma physics or fusion research. 

  • Strong publication record in computational physics or related fields. 

  • Background in developing custom software tools for physical simulations. 

  • Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git) and collaboration platforms. 

  • Prior experience publishing research or contributing to academic journals and conferences. 

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to travel and work extended hours/weekends as needed.

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of Fuse's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at info@f.energy.