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. Realta is targeting the need to decarbonize industrial process heat as the fastest path to full-scale deployment of our technology. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

This data engineer will provide technical expertise in a fast-paced scientific research and development program. You will contribute to the data acquisition and processing efforts on the currently operating Wisconsin HTS Magnetic Mirror (WHAM) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while also helping with scientific data analysis and validation efforts with our computational tools. This data engineer will also contribute to the design of the data acquisition and controls system for Realta Fusion’s next devices: Anvil and Hammir. This role will include participating in collaborations with external research groups at both national laboratories and universities, publishing work in peer-reviewed journals and disseminating results at conferences. 

Responsibilities

1. Develop and formalize data acquisition, processing, and storage systems for experimental data being generated on WHAM at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
2. Facilitate easy access to experimental data from WHAM by both Realta Fusion and University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers. 
3. Implementing synthetic diagnostics in computational tools to accelerate comparison of simulation results with experimental diagnostics. 
4. Provide algorithmic and other code acceleration support to improve the speed of our codes and data processing scripts. 
5. Audit and modify existing digitization approach for experimental data to improve data collection reliability and data integrity. 
6. Interfacing with cloud resources for both large-scale scientific computation and data storage, such as AWS and Azure. 
7. Collect and analyze experimental data and develop methodology for flagging data quality / trustworthiness and codify into standards and procedures. 
8. Interface with the experimental and computational scientists, engineering team and business leadership to deliver on technical milestones. 
9. Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities. 
10. Identify, write, or assist in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, proposals and other materials to secure funding in a startup-environment. 
11. Serve as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area.
12. Contribute to the establishment of company safety standards and implement these standards within the R&D team.
13. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that aligns with the company's mission, values, and sustainability goals, promoting innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement.

 Required Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelor of Science in Data Science / Engineering, or a related field + minimum of 3 years' experience with data engineering. 
2. Experience with Python and relevant packages (e.g., numpy, scipy, pandas, matplotlib, seaborn), and other relevant database and controls, such as SQL, Apache databases, MDSPlus, React, LabVIEW, PLCs, etc… 
3. Some familiarity of standard plasma diagnostics (e.g. bolometers, electrostatic ion energy analyzers, interferometers, magnetic probes, spectrometers, visible imagery, fusion neutron diagnostics, soft and hard x-ray detectors, etc…) and analysis techniques.
4. Some familiarity with MHD, Fokker-Planck, particle-in-cell (PIC), and RF heating simulation tools, such as NIRMOD, JOREK, WarpX, VPIC, Genray, AORSA, CQL3D.
5. Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.
6. Demonstration of innovation capacity through IP generated and/or publications in the field.

 Compensation and 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. That shared mission is a primary benefit of working in our team. Additionally, Realta offers: 

• Competitive compensation, including equity stock options
• Excellent health / dental / vision and other benefits
• Flexible paid vacation/time-off
• The opportunity to work in one of America’s most livable cities, Madison, Wisconsin

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.

We encourage applicants who don't meet all the criteria but believe they can thrive in this role to apply.