Unlocking the power of fusion for a carbon-free future

From idea to ignition - AeroFuse is pioneering the future of nuclear technology. We're developing cutting-edge solutions that will radically transform the aerospace industry, translating revolutionary concepts into tangible, transformative technologies. As a pre-seed startup at the intersection of nuclear innovation and aerospace applications, we're looking for visionary talent to help shape the foundation of our technological roadmap.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced physicist with specialized expertise in Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) systems for plasma heating in fusion devices. The ideal candidate will lead technical development, optimization, and implementation of next-generation NBI systems that address the critical plasma heating and current drive requirements for our fusion energy program.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize neutral beam injection systems for plasma heating and current drive applications
• Lead experimental campaigns to characterize NBI performance and integration with plasma operations
• Spearhead innovative solutions to overcome challenges in beam energy, neutralization efficiency, and beam-plasma coupling
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including vacuum systems, power supplies, diagnostics, and plasma physics groups
• Develop physics models and simulation tools for NBI system performance prediction and optimization
• Author technical publications and present research findings at international conferences
• Mentor junior physicists and engineers working on beam-related projects
• Interface with external collaborators and vendors on NBI system components and integration

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field
• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience with neutral beam injection systems for fusion applications
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more core NBI subsystems: ion sources, accelerator grids, neutralizers, beam dumps, or power delivery systems
• Strong understanding of beam-plasma interactions and the role of NBI in plasma heating, current drive, and momentum injection
• Experience with relevant diagnostic techniques for beam characterization and performance assessment
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals on NBI or related fusion technologies
• Programming skills for data analysis and physics modeling (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and technical leadership
• Experience with project management and coordination of technical teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with negative-ion-based NBI systems for high energy applications (>100 keV)
• Background in Multicusp-Filament, RF-driven or other advanced ion source technologies
• Familiarity with tokamak or stellarator plasma physics and operational constraints
• Knowledge of beam-line component cooling and high-heat-flux engineering
• Experience with ITER, JET, DIII-D, EAST, KSTAR, JT-60SA, or other major fusion facilities
• Understanding of broader fusion integration challenges and reactor-relevant conditions
• Background in relevant simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, Monte Carlo beam design codes, etc.)

• Self-starter who thrives in resource-constrained environments
• Enjoys hands-on work and isn't afraid to build, test, and iterate rapidly
• Creates technical solutions that balance theoretical elegance with practical implementation
• Demonstrated history of taking ownership of challenging technical problems

• Opportunity to shape the direction of groundbreaking technology from its inception
• Autonomy to build your technical team and establish engineering culture
• Chance to work at the cutting edge of nuclear technology and aerospace applications
• Equity package commensurate with the critical nature of this role
• Competitive salary

Join us as we seek to make infinite, clean fusion power a universal reality, and as we reimagine the possibilities at the intersection of nuclear innovation and aerospace technology.