Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing fusion microreactors for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands. Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn and iterate on reactors in days to weeks. The modular design is designed to provide power to applications from austere environments to deep sea vehicles and maritime transport to lunar power.
We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and that it requires a wide combination of skills, attitude, and grit to make it happen. If you have a passion for abundant energy, and how we can improve life with it, we want to have a chat with you.
Avalanche might be fit for you if: You are self-motivated, energized by problem solving and working closely with hardware. You enjoy hands-on, creative collaboration with a small, tight-knit team you can work with, laugh with, and learn with on a wide variety of topics. You can learn and pivot between priorities when necessary and you can slide the headphones on, focus, and auger deep into a single topic as needed. You thrive in an atmosphere of development, and you are an ardent learner who’s always looking for ways to grow and improve.
About the role: We are seeking a self-motivated High Voltage Scientist for our Seattle facility to help build, test and develop high voltage systems for our fusion microreactors.
In this role, you will:
- Own testing and characterization of High Voltage electrodes and dielectrics, across environments including ultra high vacuum.
- Partner with material scientists, reactor experimentalists and engineering teams to improve manufacturing processes and component performance.
- Perform Electrostatic simulation of high voltage systems.
- Assist in the analysis and interpretation of test data of different electrode and dielectric materials.
- Support high voltage vacuum component design and material selection.
- Perform surface flashover, vacuum arc and cold electron emission analysis.
- Present routine findings verbally and in writing to team members.
- Travel for conferences, supplier visits, meetings or company offsite events as required
About you:
- B.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field
- Knowledge of solid, liquid, and gaseous dielectric breakdown
- Experience with testing and analysis of dielectric and electrode materials
- Experience with electromagnetic design and analysis
- Experience designing and analyzing high voltage circuits
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Hardworking, enthusiastic attitude with a track record of overcoming challenges
- Familiarity with multiphysics simulation tools such as COMSOL
- Familiarity and proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks
Bonus skills or experience:
- M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field
- Experience with thermo-field electron emission and high electric field research and development
- Proficiency in programming (preferably Python) and machine learning
- Experience with high voltage systems in vacuum
- Knowledge of high voltage transient analysis
- Experience with high voltage RF systems
- Experience working in the fusion industry
- Hands-on experience (design verification, troubleshooting and bench work)
- Circuit design and analysis
Benefits:
- Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits: We pay 100% of your premiums
- 10 paid holidays and company-wide December holiday break
- Generous paid vacation and sick time
- 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, a well-stocked kitchen, and employee events on and off-site
- Meaningful equity in the form of stock options
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 you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.
