Computational Physicist
Fuse Energy
Computational Physicist
Fuse Energy
Pulsed-power fusion energy and radiation testing
We are building one of the most potentially consequential companies of the century. Our mission is to accelerate the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. This is not a normal company. This is not a normal job. We are committed for the long term to win.
Fuse is the first private company building a fusion facility based on Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF), an approach proven through a decade of simulation and experiments at Sandia National Laboratories. Our next milestone is Z-Star, a 15 TW Next Generation Pulsed Power (NGPP) facility built on TITAN, our in-house Impedance Matched Marx Generator (IMG) and the highest-power IMG in the world. As a Computational Physicist, you will develop the models and simulations that predict how our pulsed-power systems actually behave, from high-voltage pulse generation to energy coupling into the plasma load, turning physics, mathematics and computational methods into predictions the team can build on.
Obsess about the details — sloppy work costs us later, so do it right the first time.
Care — pick up the trash. Do things no one asks you to do. Go the extra mile because you care.
Act with urgency — every hour matters more than it feels like it does.
Be responsible for the outcome, not just the task; if it is not working, it remains your problem until it is fixed.
Assume good intent — disagree openly, then commit fully once a call is made.
Develop and run simulations of pulsed-power systems using circuit, MHD and PIC models.
Use and extend the SCREAMER circuit code to model high-voltage pulse generation and delivery.
Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling into plasma loads.
Run MHD simulations of plasma dynamics in Z-pinch and MagLIF configurations.
Run and analyze PIC simulations of plasma interactions and beam dynamics.
Work with experimentalists to validate models against data and optimize system performance.
Build custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC).
Document and share results through technical reports, publications and presentations.
Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field.
Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics.
Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques.
Experience with SCREAMER, MAGIC, HYDRA or similar circuit and plasma codes.
Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran or C++ for numerical modeling.
Experience with HPC environments and parallel computing.
Ability to present complex results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus or other pulsed-power fusion concepts.
Experience with finite element (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods.
Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions.
Experience working alongside experimental plasma physics or fusion research teams.
Strong publication record in computational physics or a related field.
This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility.
Occasional travel to other Fuse locations and partner facilities.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Relocation assistance for roles that require it.
Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking.
2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year (subject to team and business needs).
Supportive leave of absence policies.
Paid leave for new parents.
To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
Pulsed-power fusion energy and radiation testing
Fuse Energy uses pulsed-power fusion with a stabilized Z-pinch approach to pursue commercially viable fusion energy, starting with radiation testing for national security and progressing toward a fusion pilot plant. In the near term, it provides radiation effects testing to simulate harsh environments for critical electronics, generating revenue and building expertise. Its core technology includes TITAN, a high-power Impedance Matched Marx Generator, as the building block for APEIRON I. The company differentiates itself by combining defense-oriented services with rapid hardware development and peer-reviewed results, aiming for scalable fusion power.
Explore more opportunities at Fuse Energy