Computational Physicist

Fusion Energy Base; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Relocation assistance

Flexible time off

Year-end PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

Fuse is seeking a Computational Physicist to develop models and simulations that predict how our pulsed-power systems behave. You will turn physics and numerical methods into actionable predictions, collaborating with experimentalists to validate models and optimize performance.

You will work with MHD, PIC, and circuit models, modify Screamer code, and advance high-performance computing capabilities to analyze large data sets and publish findings. relocation may be required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics.
• Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run simulations for pulsed-power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models.
• Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation and delivery.
• Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations.
• Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics.
• Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models and optimize system performance.
• Develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC).
• Analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports.
• Develop software tools and algorithms to optimize simulation processes and improve computational efficiency.
• Stay up to date with advancements in computational techniques, programming languages, and physical theories to apply state-of-the-art methodologies to projects.
• Contribute to academic papers, technical reports, and presentations, sharing results with both internal teams and external collaborators.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members.

Skills

Python

Fortran

C++

MATLAB

MHD simulations

PIC simulations

HPC parallel computing

problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field

Tools

Screamer

MAGIC

HYDRA

Job description

About Fuse

About FuseWe 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.

About the Role

As a Computational Physicist at Fuse, you'll develop the models and simulations that explore how our pulsed-power systems actually behave — turning physics, mathematics, and computational methods into predictions the team can build on.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and run simulations for pulsed-power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models.
• Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation and delivery.
• Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations.
• Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics.
• Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models and optimize system performance.
• Develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC).
• Analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports.
• Develop software tools and algorithms to optimize simulation processes and improve computational efficiency.
• Stay up to date with advancements in computational techniques, programming languages, and physical theories to apply state-of-the-art methodologies to projects.
• Contribute to academic papers, technical reports, and presentations, sharing results with both internal teams and external collaborators.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes.
• Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB for numerical modeling.
• Experience with HPC environments and parallel computing.
• Strong foundation in theoretical physics, including electromagnetism, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, or related areas.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to present complex results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus devices, and fusion energy concepts.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions.
• Experience working in experimental plasma physics or fusion research.
• Strong publication record in computational physics or related fields.
• Background in developing custom software tools for physical simulations.
• Familiarity with version control tools and collaborative software-development practices.
• Prior experience publishing research or contributing to academic journals and conferences.

What We Value

• Give a shit.
• Build things you're proud of.
• Take responsibility.
• If something is broken and you can fix it, fix it.
• See things through.
• Move fast. Make decisions, learn quickly, and keep moving forward.
• Think bigger. Simplify relentlessly.
• Don't default to the safe answer.
• Disagree and commit. The best idea wins. Once a decision is made, we move.
• Desire to win. This is hard.
• Expect intensity. We are here to win.
• Plan B is to make Plan A work.

Additional Requirements

This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to the applicable Fuse facility.

Benefits

• 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.

ITAR Requirements

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.