Plasma Control Scientist

About The Role

We have an opening at our Foothill Ranch, CA (Orange County) facility for a Plasma Dynamics and Control Scientist. The selected candidate will develop control-oriented models for FRC plasma dynamics, as well as control algorithms, observers and sensing techniques using a variety of tools from physics based to machine learning. The Plasma Dynamics and Control Scientist will collaborate on the experimental campaign designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting the data, and supporting operations with the real time plasma control system. This position is hybrid with 3 days on-site.

• Identifies requirements and analyze data from the experimental fusion machine to be used in modelling.
• Develops and improves models for plasma dynamics, using physics models, system identification and machine learning techniques.
• Develops methods for automated model validation and testing.
• Defines and quantifies model limitations and uncertainties.
• Develops observers for plasma control using advanced mathematical techniques, such as Kalman filters, Bayesian inference and machine learning techniques.
• Develops plasma discharge guidance and control algorithms to improve plasma performance consistently and reliably, using physics insight, advanced mathematical tools, machine learning tools, numerical simulations and experimental tests.
• Specifies and contributes to the high level implementation of observers, guidance and control algorithms in the plasma control platform, an FPGA based system programmable using high-level language interfaces (MATLAB/ Simulink, C, Python).
• Participates actively on the experimental campaigns; proposing, designing, conducting and analyzing guidance and plasma control experiments.
• Drives and assists plasma control operations during experimental campaigns.
• Presents incremental research progress internally and to external scientific evaluators when required.
• Contributes to the documentation of the onboarding guides and plasma control system.
• Promotes an open-minded atmosphere in the group by sharing knowledge among colleagues and training less experience hires.
• Communicates and documents experimental proposals, progress and research results using TAE’s web collaboration tools.
• Contributes to TAE patent portfolio by writing patent disclosure documents.
• Publishes research results in international conferences and high impact scientific publications.
• Helps with the team expansion contributing actively during interviewing and selection processes.
• Brings projects to completion within specified timelines, reporting progress and or delays promptly.

About You

• At least 2 years’ experience designing, implementing and testing complex control systems in large scale industrial, aerospace, automotive or scientific systems, including observers and modeling of complex system dynamics.
• Deep knowledge of model-based control system design, implementation in embedded systems and testing.
• Solid background in Bayesian inference and uncertainty quantification.
• Knowledge of one or more machine learning platforms.
• Proficient in MATLAB and Simulink as applied to system dynamics modeling and control systems design.
• Knowledge of at least one more high level programming language used in scientific applications ( C, python, Julia, etc).
• Understanding of magnetic sensors, plasma diagnostics, plasma dynamics and actuator systems as applied to plasma control would be beneficial.

Nice to have

• Understanding of magnetic sensors, plasma diagnostics
• Familiarity with collaborative tools such as Confluence / Jira
• Knowledge of Linux-based systems
• Debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing skills
• FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL) and add C/C++.
• Familiarity with memory controllers, DMA, schematics and component data sheets.
• Familiarity with building and managing codebases using GIT

Education

• Required: Ph.D. in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or related fields.

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