_{17th July, 2025}

Only applicants who are eligible to work in New Zealand and meet our requirements will be considered for this position.

This position is available between November 2025 and January 2026 - there will be a long lead time for applications, so please do not be disheartened if you do not hear back from us immediately.
  
Equal Opportunity Statement - Applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. OpenStar Technologies is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovation thrives.

Who are we?
OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to repeat the feats of Maui 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. The team is currently made up of 60 talented engineers and physicists, based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa.

Culture comment:
At OpenStar Technologies, our culture is founded on a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We empower every member of our team with meaningful responsibility, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive in pursuit of our collective mission.


Job Description

Join OpenStar’s Plasma Experimental Team as a Microwave Plasma Diagnostics Intern, contributing to critical diagnostic systems that enable accurate measurement and understanding of plasma behaviour inside the fusion chamber. 

This internship will focus on expanding and integrating microwave-based diagnostics: specifically, adding channels to the interferometer and installing a reflectometer. The role involves working in a laboratory setting, combining hands-on work with electronics and vacuum hardware, while drawing on theoretical knowledge of plasma and electromagnetic wave propagation. 


Project Scope 

1. Interferometer Expansion 

• Design and install additional signal channels for OpenStar’s existing microwave interferometer system. 
• Assist in calibration and alignment of optical and electronic paths. 

2. Reflectometer Installation 

• Deploy a new microwave reflectometer to provide real-time density profile information. 
• Integrate the instrument with existing experimental and control systems. 

3. Plasma Data Collection 

• Work toward collecting diagnostic data from plasma discharges. 
• Participate in early data interpretation and troubleshooting of signal quality and system response. 

  
Day-to-Day Responsibilities 

• Laboratory work with vacuum systems, RF electronics, and microwave signal chains. 
• Collaborate closely with physicists and engineers on installation and testing. 
• Apply theoretical knowledge to inform signal path design and diagnostic tuning. 
• Maintain detailed documentation of installation procedures, configurations, and data output. 

Requirements

• Completion of 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate degree (or higher) in physics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field by the start of the internship. 
• Prior experience or coursework related to radio frequency (RF) systems. 
• Understanding of basic plasma physics principles. 

  
Nice to Have 

• Familiarity with interferometry, reflectometry, or other microwave diagnostics. 
• Experience working with vacuum hardware and oscilloscopes, signal generators, or spectrum analysers. 
• Comfort with RF safety protocols and lab best practices. 

Internship Details

• Type: Fixed-term (400 hours)
• Rate: $28.95/hour gross
• 8% holiday pay (pay-as-you-go)
• 3% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Location: On-site at OpenStar Technologies, Ngauranga, Wellington, NZ

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