Plasma Intern

Support the design, build, and operation of the diagnostic and experimental systems that let us measure plasma behaviour inside our experiment. Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity strengthens our team and are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Who We Are OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to repeat the feats of Māui and capture the power of the Sun. By mastering fusion—the process that powers the stars—we can generate safe, clean, carbon‑free, base‑load electricity in a way that is economically scalable to the challenge of mitigating climate disaster and giving birth to the next industrial revolution. Our team is made up of talented engineers and physicists, based in Wellington, New Zealand. About the Role Join OpenStar's Plasma team to help design, build, and operate the diagnostic and experimental systems that let us measure and understand plasma behaviour inside our levitated dipole fusion chamber. You'll work hands‑on with the machine, supporting instrumentation such as microwave diagnostics alongside our Plasma Physicists. Key Responsibilities Design and install additional signal channels for OpenStar's microwave interferometer system Deploy new diagnostic instruments (e.g., microwave reflectometers) to provide real‑time plasma density profile information Integrate new instruments with existing experimental and control systems Calibration & Data Collection Assist in calibration and alignment of optical and electronic diagnostic paths Work toward collecting diagnostic data from plasma discharges Participate in early data interpretation and troubleshooting of signal quality and system response Health & Safety Help maintain a high standard of health and safety, both for the team and for the machinery you help build and operate Key Relationships Experimental Plasma Physicists – day‑to‑day technical mentors and closest working partners on the machine Computational Physicists – partners for data interpretation and model comparison Technical Operations and Integration teams – coordination during experimental campaigns What We're Looking For Some familiarity with electronics, and a genuine interest in developing deeper skills in electronic/diagnostic systems Working knowledge of Python, or a strong foundation in another programming language Curiosity, rigour, and a hands‑on disposition Ability to work through and solve highly multidisciplinary engineering problems Ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team Great team member with clear communication and collaboration skills Innate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas including one's own Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in physics, engineering, or a related discipline Join Us This opportunity boils down to the chance to work on something truly meaningful. The scariest thing about the climate crisis today is that, for all of our bluster and protest, there are very few of us who actually have a chance to do meaningful work solving this problem. Carbon‑free energy is an absolute necessity if we want to be able to recognize the world that future generations inherit. Please join us in making this a reality. Apply For Job #J-18808-Ljbffr