Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)
- Pay
- $130,000 – $200,000 per year
- Location
- Everett, WA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Director
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Doctorate
- Listed
- 31 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- plasma simulation
- CFD
- MHD
- PIC modeling
- kinetic plasma modeling
Also useful
- high-performance computing workflows
- atomic and molecular physics of plasmas
- turbulent transport modeling
About the opportunity
As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you’ll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you’ll deploy fluid and kinetic plasma simulation tools to guide experimental design and operation. Your work will address fundamental design challenges and shape strategies for generating and sustaining stable fusion conditions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of models that capture essential physics in the formation and sustainment of the sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch
- Deploy computational tools for simulating compression physics, shock heating, turbulent and kinetic transport, plasma sheaths, atomic and molecular reactions, two-fluid effects, and 3D phenomena
- Validate models against experimental data and refine predictive capabilities
- Collaborate with experimental teams to harness modeling insights to guide device design and operation
- Share findings through publications and presentations at conferences
Qualifications
Required
- PhD in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, or a closely related field and 5-10+ years of relevant experience
- Experience leading computational design optimization and experimental validation
- Strong knowledge of scientific computing and algorithms (CFD, MHD, continuum kinetic modeling, PIC, etc.
- Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively
Preferred
- Experience with AI augmentation of design-build-test loops
- Familiarity with kinetic plasma physics and modeling
- Knowledge of atomic and molecular physics of plasmas or combustion reaction chemistry
- Expertise in modeling turbulent transport
- Expertise in high-performance computing workflows
Pay and benefits
Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range for Senior $130,000-160,000 and Principal: 150,000-200,000 annually. 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.
- About Company ---
About Zap Energy
Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Zap Energy 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.
From Zap Energy's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) role at Zap Energy?
The Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) posting at Zap Energy states compensation of $130,000 – $200,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Zap Energy's official career site.
Where is the Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) job at Zap Energy located?
This Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) position at Zap Energy is located in Everett, WA (On-site). Always check Zap Energy's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) at Zap Energy?
For the Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) role, Zap Energy highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; a doctorate; experience with plasma simulation, CFD, MHD, PIC modeling, kinetic plasma modeling. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory) position at Zap Energy?
This listing links directly to Zap Energy's Rippling application page. You can apply directly on Zap Energy's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Rippling application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.