Scientist Microwave RF Systems

Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

The General Atomics (GA) Energy Group is committed to the advancement of technologies that can change the world. The organization is embracing a holistic vision for the deployment of fusion energy to the grid and the development of critical supporting technologies, such as radiofrequency (RF) sources and accelerator systems. We are committing to play a lead role in the development of commercial fusion energy, with pursuits along two major themes: (1) scientific excellence driving fusion energy development; and (2) engineering excellence as a global provider of systems and services.

The GA RF Systems Group currently has an exciting opportunity for a Microwave Scientist to join the team. We are looking for highly-motivated candidates possessing experience with microwave sources and systems as applied to superconducting accelerators. An ideal candidate is familiar with microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz components and has an understanding of accelerator operation, optimization and troubleshooting.
The successful candidate must have the ability to work in teams, distribute their time across several projects in parallel, develop appealing concepts for scientific and technological advancement, and communicate technical presentations on a regular basis to various R&D teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and Development: Lead and contribute to the R&D of superconducting materials, magnet systems, and accelerator technologies, with a focus on RF cavities, magnets, and cryogenic systems.
• Accelerator Design: Design, model, and simulate superconducting accelerator and RF components to optimize performance and efficiency.
• System Integration: Work closely with engineers and technical teams to integrate components into existing accelerator infrastructures, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and reliability.
• Operation and Maintenance: Oversee the operation and testing of accelerator components, subsystems, and integrated systems, including troubleshooting and resolving issues related to RF cavities, cooling systems, and magnet performance. Experience in this regard with superconducting accelerators is highly desired.
• Collaboration and Support: Collaborate with physicists, engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to provide technical expertise in the design and implementation of RF systems such as accelerators.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations detailing research findings, system performance, and development progress. Communicate results to both internal and external stakeholders, including funding agencies and collaborators.
• Innovation and Advancement: Stay at the forefront of developments in microwave technology and accelerators, contribute to advancing the field, and apply the latest research findings to practical systems.
• Work independently and/or in a small team, leading some projects or objectives while supporting engineers and scientists on other projects as needed.
• Draft proposals, research articles and present at technical conferences, workshops and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.



Job Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Accelerator Physics, Applied Electromagnetics, Engineering Physics, or a related field with a focus on RF systems and accelerator technology.
• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent work experience in superconducting accelerator research is highly preferred.
• Ideal candidate will have experience with electromagnetic simulation software (ANSYS, HFSS, COMSOL, Surf3D, CST Studio Suite).
• Ideal candidate will have experience with numeric computing in MATLAB, python, or a similar platform.
• Must demonstrate highly effective communication skills in technical presentations.
• Must possess the ability to research new topics and develop understanding of phenomena that are outside of prior experience.

Salary:$98,100 - $171,398