Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing enormously energy dense fusion microreactors for clean power generation. Our small design allows us to iterate in days, build tons of hardware onsite, and apply game-changing fusion power to applications from lunar surface power to transportation to the deep sea. We are seeking a curious, tenacious Associate Scientist for our Seattle facility to work with our team on diagnostic tools to help monitor the performance of our proprietary fusion reactor prototypes, ion confinement devices, electron confinement devices and ion beam lines. Our future Associate Scientist is collaborative and enjoys working with teams, big and small. They are able to rapidly analyze and pivot between priorities as we design, build, test and troubleshoot experiments. This early-in-career job offers the opportunity to work with a passionate team on an ambitious mission to help push humanity forward.

This job might be for you if:

You love fusion, you love microfusion even more and everything humanity can do with it. You love thinking creatively, you are tenacious and you love teamwork. You enjoy constantly learning, being hands-on and working with hardware. You have experience with designing diagnostics from brainstorm to PCB design to specifying components to assembly and test. You want to be a part of a rapid start-up with people who love their jobs, and be part of a mission that matters.

Responsibilities:

• In partnership with Science Leads; design and execute test plans, scripts and procedures in support of a variety of experiments.
• Conduct tests to understand the performance of custom equipment and instruments.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions or data acquisition problems.
• Build and maintain experimental and diagnostic equipment; including development of new diagnostics from the ground up.
• Assist in the analysis and interpretation of test data and provide recommendations for upgrades, improvements and conclusions.
• Participate in the design and build of new experiments and experimental equipment including test chambers, diagnostic instrumentation, fixtures, wiring, controls etc.
• Present routine findings verbally and in writing to team members.
• Travel for conferences, supplier visits, meetings or company offsite events as required (<10%)

Qualifications and Skills:

• BS in physics, chemistry, aerospace, electrical, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of physics concepts and principles.
• 1 or more years of experimental research experience or equivalent work.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic experience using Python for test scripting and/or data analysis.
• Hardworking, enthusiastic attitude with a track record of overcoming challenges.
• Ability to work with your hands and perform light lifting, and mechanical tasks.

Bonus Skills and Experience:

• M.S. in relevant field
• Familiarity with fusion industry, experiments, or plasma devices
• Familiarity and proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks.

Perks:

• Great medical, dental and vision benefits.
• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action.
• Exposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growth.
• Weekly, employer-provided team meals and a well-stocked kitchen.
• Stock options in a potentially transformative company with unicorn potential.
• Other double-secret perks.
• You'll work with Ellen :)

Avalanche values people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, and sexual orientations. We also acknowledge the value that different life experiences bring to our organization. Avalanche is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.

Let's Do This!