Staff Engineer/Physicist 2 - Nuclear Fusion Research

Applied Research Associates, Inc., is seeking a highly motivated and experienced mid-career physicist or engineer with 5-10 years of expertise in applications of plasma physics to both pulsed and continuous fusion energy production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and will contribute to advancing our understanding and development of various nuclear fusion energy production processes.

Job Location: Omaha, NE

Start Date: October 1, 2026 is preferred. The candidate may start as early as August 3, 2026, with a firm latest start date of December 1, 2026.

ARA’ Benefits Package Includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on nuclear fusion processes, including Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF), and Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF)
• Analyze and model plasma behavior in Field Reversed Configurations (FRC) and its stability under adiabatic compression.
• Investigate the cross sections and reactivity of various fuels that primarily undergo aneutronic fusion, contributing to the development of a compact clean energy source
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement experiments and simulations, along with specialized diagnostics related to MTF fusion energy production
• Develop and apply empirically based predictive MHD models to enhance the understanding of plasma stability and performance.
• Apply first-principal computer codes, e.g., ALEGRA, to support research and development efforts. Perform such calculations to help design and interpret laboratory and field experiments
• Mentor junior researchers, promoting knowledge transfer within the team.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or better in Physics or Engineering in relevant field.

• 5-10 years of relevant research experience in applications of nuclear physics
• In-depth understanding of high temperature plasma physics
• Proficiency in magnetohydrodynamics and experience with predictive modeling techniques, including first-principles MHD computer codes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active US DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies; computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA has a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Experience

• 5 - 10 years: Relevant work experience.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy or better in Engineering or related field

• Doctor of Philosophy or better in Physics or related field

Behaviors

• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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