High Voltage Pulsed Power Associate Engineer

Zap Energy is developing and commercializing fusion energy technology using the sheared-flow stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch. Fusion energy provides a nearly-limitless and carbon-free source of clean energy. The highly-motivated scientific and technical team is conducting fast-paced, exciting, break-through work to push the SFS Z-pinch technology toward scientific breakeven conditions: successful achievement of this goal will revolutionize energy production. Zap’s approach represents the most elegant fusion configuration, as it does not require magnetic field coils nor auxiliary heating. Zap is a well-funded spinout company from the University of Washington, located in the greater Seattle area.

Zap is currently looking for a High Voltage Pulsed Power Associate Engineer to design, test, operate, and troubleshoot pulsed power components and systems. The Engineer will also be involved in future work consisting of a novel repetitive pulsed power system design and test. This position will work with other scientific, engineering, and technical staff on the design, assembly, fielding, and operations of the next-generation SFS Z-pinch experiment and associated pulsed power systems and diagnostic electronics. The ideal candidate is an organized, inventive problem solver, capable of working through technical challenges and employing sound, pragmatic solutions through team efforts.

Responsibilities:

1. Design, test, operate, and troubleshoot electric power components and systems.
2. Work with outside vendors to develop custom solutions in capacitor charging, discharging, protection devices, and pulsed shaping.
3. Provide general experimental electronics support for design, assembly, fielding, and operations of Zap Energy research experiments.
4. Work with state-of-the-art fast, high current switch technologies.

Qualifications

Required:

1. BSc or MSc in Pulsed Power/High Voltage Electronics or Electrical Engineering design and test experience.
2. Data analysis including reduction, interpretation, and error analysis.
3. Demonstrated ability to complete assigned projects, working with technical staff.
4. Understanding of electromagnetic interference and mitigation techniques.
5. Ability to comply with industry best practices and relevant IEC and IEEE standards.
6. Excellent written and communication skills.

Preferred:

1. Pulsed Power switch and component design/implementation experience.
2. Calibration knowledge and fielding experience of Pulsed Power probes/sensors (High Voltage monitors, Rogowskis, current transformers, etc.).
3. Familiarity in design, procurement, assembly, fielding, operations, and analysis of fusion plasma physics experiment or high power pulsed experiments.
4. Experience designing and operating megajoule-class capacitor-based pulsed power systems.

Benefits of joining Zap Energy: While doing meaningful work is rewarding in itself, we also offer the following programs and benefits for all employees:

1. Competitive salary and benefits.
2. Premium medical / dental / vision insurance.
3. Flexible vacation and paid company holidays.

The estimated annual salary range for this position is $70K-100K. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and the actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. The range is published in accordance with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is building a low-cost, compact, and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology provides compelling fusion economics and requires orders of magnitude less capital than conventional approaches. Zap Energy has approximately 150 team members in multiple facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors.

Zap Energy Inc. 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.

Questions on this position can be sent to .