What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fusion Research Intern position at Realta Fusion Inc.?
About Realta Fusion
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. 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 energy challenges.
Why Join Us
The field of fusion energy is transitioning from experimental research settings to commercial/industrial applications in this decade. If Realta Fusion or any of the tens of other private fusion energy companies around the world are successful, the demand for persons with fusion laboratory skills will rapidly increase. This is an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a fast-growing field.
About the Internship Role
We are not looking for just physicists! Fusion Research Interns will fall within one of three categories, representing different work ongoing at Realta:
- Laboratory and Experimental
- Theory and Modeling
- Engineering and Design
Laboratory and Experimental Interns will assist with the construction, installation, and operation of Realta contracted projects on the Wisconsin High-temperature superconducting Axisymmetric Mirror (WHAM) experiment. Applicants can expect to gain experience of working safely with high vacuum systems, pulsed power hardware, control system software, high-temperature superconducting magnets, and fusion specific plasma diagnostics.
Theory and Modeling Interns will work with the RealTwin suite of modeling tools, focused on the development of a digital twin of the WHAM experiment. These codes include VPIC, WarpX, Gkeyll, CQL3D, and other high-performance computing tools. Interns can also expect to gain substantial experience with Python, Julia, Fortran, shell scripting, and other programming languages.
Engineering and Design Interns will assist with Multiphysics simulations, radiation transport and activation studies, MHD studies of flowing liquid metals, and more. Projects will be tailored to the applicant’s interest and skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Able to work on-site at the Realta Fusion office (Madison, WI) or the Physical Sciences Laboratory (near Stoughton, WI)
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Methodical work habits with strong commitment to safety
Internship Timeframe
- Summer 2025 internship at the Physical Sciences Laboratory and Realta Fusion Madison office between May and August 2025 (start/end dates are flexible). On-site work is required.
- Compensation of $23/hour, depending on experience
- Full-time (40 hours/week) internship
Full-Time Compensation
- Compensation of $23/hour, depending on experience
- Full-time (40 hours/week) internship
Non-Discrimination Statement
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.
Salary : $23
