Overview

The Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS (IPP) is looking for a versatile physical engineer to join the additional heating team. The Institute is currently building an experimental apparatus for high-temperature plasma research, the COMPASS-Upgrade tokamak. The tokamak will use, among other equipment, a group of high power particle accelerators, called neutral particle beam injectors, to heat the fusion plasma. Some of these accelerators are already in operation and some will be newly acquired by the IPP. These are complex, high-tech systems that combine several engineering disciplines and that are always tailor-made for a specific tokamak.

Therefore, we are looking for a person who understands and speaks the language of physicists as well as engineers and technicians to actively participate in, or coordinate, all aspects of the development (design, prototyping, purchasing, etc.), construction and operation of these devices (diagnostics, maintenance, repair, integration, modification, etc.). There is also a possibility to present achieved results domestically and abroad. The position is suitable for science and technology enthusiasts who like to learn new things and who are attracted by unique challenges. It is not essential for the candidate to have all the skills welcomed by the employer when applying, but to start with the intention of trying to acquire them.

Job description

The employee will be to participating in all aspects related to the tokamak additional heating systems. This will be done either independently or in collaboration with other IPP staff or external contractors and collaborators. This is a varied and creative job in a friendly team that allows for significant professional growth with plenty of opportunities and possibilities to implement your own ideas. Employee’s tasks will include part of the tasks of the additional heating team:

• Design and development of new components (conceptual, CAD, drawings, … )
• Analytical, numerical and physical verification of designs and components (multi-physics simulation)
• Assembly and installation of components (manual work, coordination of workers)
• Work on the electrical part of the equipment (high voltage power supplies, control hardware/software)
• Literature searches and market research
• Writing technical reports and presentations
• Communication and cooperation with external suppliers and companies
• Analysis of measured data
• Diagnosing and correcting faults and accidents
• …

What knowledge and skills you should have

• High interest in learning new skills and technologies, both under the guidance of more experienced people and independently
• University degree in a technical field (e.g. physics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, etc.)
• Analytical thinking
• Curious, proactive and creative nature
• Ability and willingness to solve problems
• Independence, diligence, responsibility
• Basic professional communication in English
• Programming – basics
• Advanced PC skills
• Basic electrical engineering (design and construct a simple electrical circuit)

It will be an advantage if you are proficient in or have

Experience with:

• automation (e.g. Arduino, Simatic, etc., sensors and actuators)
• working on particle accelerators or their design and construction
• high vacuum (theory and practice)
• laboratory and measuring instruments
• radio frequency electrical engineering
• high voltage and power (10’s of kilovolts)
• manufacturing of electronic/electrical equipment

Interest and possibly experience:

• various manufacturing technologies and machining methods (jet machining, CNC, electrical machining, 3D printing, etc.)
• working with CAD, FEA and other numerical and analytical tools (Catia, Comsol, Molflow, etc.)
• interest in plasma physics
• programming in one or more languages (e.g. Python, C/C++ , labview , jawa etc. )

The ideal candidate:

• has a background in physics, experience with electronics (e.g. home do-it-yourself) and mechanical design (e.g. custom 3D prints).
• enjoys trying new technologies and approaches to problem solving.
• is communicative and open to new challenges and problems that have not been solved before.
• is no stranger to reaching out to disciplines other than those in which the candidate is formally educated and with which he/she already has experience to solve the problem presented.
• is able to independently, using freely available resources, gain insight into a new area.
• sees the demands placed on his/her skills by the employer as an opportunity for professional growth.

What we can offer you

• Main employment in a stable institution,
• low-stress workplace,
• the opportunity to work on unique devices and participate in their development,
• learn to use a wide range of machines and tools (hardware, software and process),
• a young and friendly team,
• 5 weeks of vacation,
• 6 sick days,
• Flexible start and end of the working hours (optionally a partial home-office),
• Allowance for meal, recreation and other benefits,

Information about the position

Required education: technical university/ university

Classification: Electrical Engineering and Power Engineering / Science and Research

Type of employment: full-time employment

Duration of employment: Fixed-term with the possibility of indefinite extension.

Contact: varju@ipp.cas.cz