Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

focused; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Focused Energy is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop and apply advanced optical and multiphysics simulation tools for our pioneering fusion energy project. Your role involves integrating complex models to optimize laser systems and enhance system design, reducing risks in the development cycles.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master's or PhD in a relevant field, with strong experience in simulation and programming. Join us in our mission to create sustainable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in optics or a related field.
• Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex systems.
• Ability to couple multiple physical domains into coherent models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain optical and multiphysics simulation frameworks.
• Model complex laser amplifier architectures.
• Validate simulation models against experimental data.

Skills

Optics simulation

Programming in Python

Optical physics

Data-driven models

Strong collaboration skills

Education

Master's or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

Zemax

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. With the use and commercialization of laser‑induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.

We are seeking an Optical Engineer for our Digital Twin efforts to develop, validate, and apply advanced optical and multiphysics simulation tools that form the backbone of our laser Digital Twin. As part of our Laser team, you will integrate optical and multiphysics models into a coherent, predictive framework that supports system design, optimization, and experimental validation of our laser point designs. Your work will directly reduce design risk, accelerate development cycles, and enable system‑level optimization of the high‑energy laser systems powering our fusion program.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and maintain integrated optical and multiphysics simulation frameworks (optical, thermal, mechanical coupling) for Digital Twin applications
• Model complex laser amplifier architectures, including gain media, pump geometries, and thermal effects
• Build, integrate, and continuously refine the Digital Twin environment for system‑level prediction and optimization
• Validate simulation models against experimental data and perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis
• Develop reduced‑order and surrogate models for efficient Digital Twin deployment
• Collaborate with optical engineers, laser physicists, and experimental teams to translate simulation results into engineering design decisions
• Interface with Digital Twin architects, systems engineers, and program management to ensure models meet project requirements

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
• Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex physical systems
• Ability to couple multiple physical domains (optical, thermal, mechanical, fluid) into coherent system‑level models
• Solid understanding of laser and optical physics (propagation, amplification, spectral and nonlinear effects)
• Experience in model validation, uncertainty quantification, and data‑driven refinement
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar
• Experience with simulation tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, Zemax, CodeV, or FRED
• Ability to communicate complex simulation results clearly to non‑specialists
• Strong collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams
• Structured and analytical problem‑solving approach
• Ability to work independently while aligning with broader system goals
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred

• Proven experience developing and maintaining Digital Twin models or equivalent system‑level simulation frameworks, including data integration and validation
• Experience translating simulation outputs into predictive tools for system design and performance forecasting
• Familiarity with MDO workflows (UQ, DoE, ML training) and metamodelling / surrogate techniques (ROM, Digital Twin)
• Experience with HPC batch schedulers and automation scripts
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo techniques
• Interest in fusion energy, high‑energy‑density physics, or advanced laser technologies
• Hands‑on R&D testing experience with laser systems or optomechanical assemblies
• Proactive approach to improving simulation workflows and methodologies

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.