Plasma Diagnostics Intern (Fusion)

Location: On-site in Everett, Washington, for at least 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027

Compensation: $57 per hour

Company

hirify.global is a fusion power company developing the Polaris prototype and pursuing the construction of the Orion fusion power plant to provide clean, reliable electricity.

What you will do

• Conceive, design, test, and deploy optical diagnostic components and systems for fusion machines.
• Prototype and bench-test optical diagnostics, including polarimetry and optical interferometer components.
• Measure plasma parameters such as density, temperature, and plasma shape using non-invasive optical probes.
• Evaluate basic operations and potential performance upgrades for polarimetry and interferometry systems.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with relevant plasma experience.
• Must be able to work full time onsite in Everett, Washington, for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027.
• Must be able to complete the PhD program and begin full-time employment by May 2028.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Basic benchtop optical testing and measurement knowledge, optical fiber alignment proficiency, and optical laboratory experience.
• Basic knowledge of lasers and laser safety, plus proficiency with MATLAB or Python.

Nice to have

• Experience with optical modeling software such as Zemax.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on real-world fusion power and clean-energy challenges.
• Collaborate with a team emphasizing urgency, rigor, ownership, and delivering hard truths.
• Contribute to the development of optical diagnostics for high-temperature plasma systems.