Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing

Focused Energy Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Austin, TX

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing at Focused Energy Inc. is a pivotal role that brings deep theoretical and simulation expertise in laser‑plasma interaction (LPI) modeling, beam smoothing, and laser‑target coupling to the Science team. The role bridges the laser system and target physics sides of the house, translating laser capabilities into target physics requirements and vice‑versa, directly shaping beam requirements (picket, drive, beam port design) and the physics roadmap that underpins the path to commercial‑scale fusion energy.
• Day‑to‑day responsibilities include providing theoretical and simulation support on the beam smoothing project; coordinating laser beam requirements such as picket and drive beam design and beam port design; supporting the roadmap by partnering with the diagnostics team and leading physics efforts; delivering theoretical support for implementation in the DUED code; offering theoretical support for LPI science across experiments and simulations; and collaborating closely with the beam smoothing team, laser and science teams, target design team, and target physics team on LPI risk mitigation and imprint/hydrodynamic instabilities.
• Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser‑driven inertial fusion. Backed by a $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry — the company operates from Germany and the United States, assembling top scientific and engineering minds to unlock fusion power at commercial scale and deliver a clean, sustainable, abundant source of power globally.
• In this role you will have the opportunity to shape beam requirements and the physics roadmap for fusion energy at commercial scale, act as a scientific anchor for the beam smoothing project, serve as a trusted theoretical resource across multiple teams, contribute to the design and interpretation of experiments, deepen your expertise in high‑performance computing (OpenMP/MPI, C++/Python), advance your knowledge of LPI phenomena (CBET, SBS, SRS, TPD) and laser fusion science, and strengthen your collaboration, prioritization, problem‑solving, and adaptability skills while working on a mission‑critical clean‑energy initiative.

🎯 Requirements

• PhD in plasma physics or an equivalent field.
• 10+ years of post‑doc or staff scientist experience.
• Strong theoretical and simulation knowledge of beam smoothing techniques.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of LPI (CBET, SBS, SRS, and/or TPD) and experience with PIC/fluid simulations.
• Knowledge of High‑Performance Computing (HPC).
• Excellent programming skills for HPC (OpenMP/MPI) in C++ and/or Python or an equivalent language.

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on location, level, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Eligibility for incentive compensation.
• Eligibility for equity.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Equal opportunity employer commitment to an inclusive environment.
• Consideration for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Skills & Technologies

Python

Senior

Onsite

Degree Required

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Focused Energy Inc.

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About Focused Energy Inc.

Focused Energy is dedicated to commercializing laser fusion technology to achieve clean and abundant energy production. They are optimizing fuel and laser systems to develop an integrated engineering prototype for commercial energy production. The company's technology utilizes Pearl™ fuel capsules, derived from seawater and lithium, to increase energy output. With a team of renowned fusion experts, Focused Energy aims to decouple energy production from resource consumption, unlocking economic growth and scientific innovation. Focused Energy recently entered into a $40 million agreement with Amplitude to advance high-energy lasers, marking a key step toward commercialization.

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