Lead Fusion Systems Technologist

Madison, WI

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time — tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem. This hands-on Lead Fusion Systems Technologist would lead the assembly, integration, and commissioning of Realta's fusion hardware. The ideal candidate is a 10–15+ year national-laboratory or large-facility technician who has brought particle accelerators, fusion devices, or similarly complex scientific systems to operational status.

Responsibilities

1. Lead UHV assembly, cleaning, leak checking (He mass-spec), bakeout, and pump-down for fusion vessels and beamlines
2. Commission high-voltage power supplies, RF heating systems (ICRH/ECRH), magnet supplies, and neutral beam injectors
3. Plan and execute critical lifts of high-value fusion hardware; serve as Lift Director for complex rigging operations
4. Coordinate and sequence work of junior technicians, crafts personnel, and vendor reps on the experiment floor
5. Author traveler documents, assembly procedures, commissioning checklists, and as-built records
6. Champion safe work practices for HV, UHV, RF, magnetic-field, and heavy-lift operations

Required Qualifications

• 10–15+ years hands-on experience at a national lab, accelerator facility, or fusion research center (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated UHV expertise: clean assembly, He leak detection, RGA interpretation, bakeout to <1×10⁻⁷ Torr
• Experience commissioning major scientific systems — accelerators, fusion devices, beamlines, or equivalent
• Hands-on HV experience (>10 kV); proficiency with LOTO/LOTOTO and HV personnel protection systems
• Critical lift experience; familiarity with ASME B30 or DOE rigging/lift safety standards
• Experience with RF systems, cryogenics, superconducting or resistive magnets, or precision alignment (any combination)
• Ability to read engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and wiring diagrams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at DOE labs (PPPL, Fermilab, SNS, SLAC, etc.), CERN, TAE, CFS, or equivalent
• Journeyman craft credentials (electrician, pipefitter, millwright, or similar)
• Experience with neutral beam injectors, ICRH, ECRH, or tandem/magnetic mirror systems
• DOE radiological worker training; NQA-1 or CGD quality program experience
• Vacuum-compatible TIG welding (stainless or aluminum)

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

• Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
• Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.