Senior Laser-Plasma Diagnostics Architect

Focused Energy LLC; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Focused Energy, a high-technology fusion company, seeks a Senior Laser-Plasma Diagnostic Specialist to lead diagnostic development for inertial fusion energy experiments. You will define strategies, oversee optical, X-ray, and nuclear diagnostics, and coordinate engineers across disciplines.

You will mentor scientists, shape experimental campaigns, and collaborate with universities and national labs to push the frontiers of laser-plasma physics and IFE technology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Optical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing or leading diagnostics for laser-plasma, HEDP, or ICF experiments.
• Experience leading diagnostic development from concept through deployment and experimental operation.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent scientific software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, and commissioning of advanced diagnostics for high-energy-density physics and inertial fusion energy experiments.
• Define and maintain the long-term diagnostic strategy and roadmap for current and future facilities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary development efforts across optical, X-ray, charged-particle, and nuclear diagnostics.
• Provide technical leadership during diagnostic integration, alignment, calibration, and operation.
• Analyze experimental results and drive continuous improvement of diagnostic performance.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers and foster technical excellence across the program.
• Build collaborations with universities, national labs, and industry partners.

Skills

Laser-plasma diagnostics

Python

MATLAB

Leadership

Experimental design

High-energy-density physics

Inertial confinement fusion

Diagnostics architecture

Team coordination

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

CAD software

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Focused Energy, a high-technology fusion company, seeks a Senior Laser-Plasma Diagnostic Specialist to lead diagnostic development for inertial fusion energy experiments. You will define strategies, oversee optical, X-ray, and nuclear diagnostics, and coordinate engineers across disciplines.

You will mentor scientists, shape experimental campaigns, and collaborate with universities and national labs to push the frontiers of laser-plasma physics and IFE technology.