Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing

Focused Energy; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Focused Energy is seeking a Senior Scientist to apply deep theoretical and simulation expertise in laser‑plasma interaction modeling, beam smoothing, and laser‑target coupling. This role spans laser system and target physics, translating system capabilities into physics requirements and guiding roadmap decisions.

You will anchor the beam smoothing project, support LPI studies, and shape beam design and physics roadmaps for fusion energy at commercial scale.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics or equivalent field.
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Responsibilities

• Provide theoretical and simulation support on the beam smoothing project.
• 1 Coordinate laser beam requirements, including picket and drive beam design and beam port design.
• 2 Support the roadmap, partnering with the diagnostics team and leading physics efforts.
• 3 Provide theoretical support for implementation in the DUED code.
• 4 Provide theoretical support for LPI science across LPI experiments and simulations.
• 5 Partner with the beam smoothing, laser, science, target design, and target physics teams on risk mitigation and instabilities.

Skills

PhD in plasma physics

10+ years post‑doc/staff scientist

Beam smoothing theory

LPI theory & simulations

HPC proficiency

C++/Python programming

Mathematical modeling

Laser fusion science

Collaboration & communication

Education

PhD in plasma physics

Tools

OpenMP

MPI

Python

C++

PIC/Fluid simulations

Job description

Focused Energy is seeking a Senior Scientist to apply deep theoretical and simulation expertise in laser‑plasma interaction modeling, beam smoothing, and laser‑target coupling. This role spans laser system and target physics, translating system capabilities into physics requirements and guiding roadmap decisions.

You will anchor the beam smoothing project, support LPI studies, and shape beam design and physics roadmaps for fusion energy at commercial scale.