R&D Device Operations Engineer / Scientist

Zap Energy is seeking a highly skilled Device Operations Engineer for our plasma-based fusion development platforms. This is a multi-disciplinary role, combining basic physics knowledge, electrical engineering, data acquisition & control, software development for hardware control and experience running large complex industrial research systems.  

Responsibilities:  

• Managing daily operations of Zap’s fusion development platforms
• Preparing the laboratory space, pulsed power systems, vacuum-mechanical systems and instrumentation systems for operations
• Collaborating with and supporting other engineering and scientific team members
• Ensuring safety protocols and interlocks are properly checked
• Installing and performing diagnostic tests on data acquisition systems
• Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues
• Optimize code for performance and reliability in hardware control applications

Required Qualifications:   

• Education: B.S or M.S in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related engineering or science discipline, or comparable experience
• Years of experience: 2-5 years 
• Knowledge of basic physics and electromagnetics
• Strong Python programming skills with at least 3 years of experience
• Experience with hardware interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART
• Knowledge of communication protocols (Serial, USB, Ethernet, etc.)
• Familiarity with libraries like PySerial, PyUSB, or hardware-specific Python packages
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Great organizational and time management abilities, version control experience (Git)
• Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience with data acquisition systems
• Understanding of multithreading and asynchronous programming concepts
• Experience at a large R&D facility 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.  

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

• Competitive pay and benefits   
• Premium medical / dental / vision insurance   
• Flexible vacation and paid company holidays  

The estimated salary range for this position is $100k - $130k. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications.  Range is published in accordance with 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 careers@zapenergyinc.com.