Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing (f/m/d)

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 building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry — we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies.

Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale.

Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally.

Your Role

Focused Energy is looking for a Senior Scientist to bring deep theoretical and simulation expertise in laser-plasma interaction (LPI) modeling, beam smoothing, and laser‑target coupling to our Science team. This is a role that spans both the laser system and target physics sides of the house, translating laser system capabilities into target physics requirements, and target physics needs into laser beam requirements, an end‑to‑end view that is critical to refining our roadmap forward.

You will act as a scientific anchor for the beam smoothing project and a trusted theoretical resource across several teams: supporting implementation work, providing simulation and theory support for LPI research, and contributing to the design and interpretation of experiments. Your work will directly shape beam requirements (picket, drive, beam port design) and the physics roadmap that underpins our path to fusion energy at commercial scale.

What You'll Do

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

Who You Are

Must‑haves

• PhD in plasma physics or an equivalent field.
• 10+ years of post‑doc or staff scientist experience.
• Strong theoretical and simulation knowledge of beam smoothing techniques.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of LPI (CBET, SBS, SRS, and/or TPD) and experience with PIC/fluid simulations.
• Knowledge of High‑Performance Computing (HPC).
• Excellent programming skills for HPC (OpenMP/MPI) in C++ and/or Python or an equivalent language.
• Strong mathematical background, including linear algebra, dynamical systems, partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, and numerical modeling.
• Strong background in laser fusion science.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong collaborator across technical teams.
• High capability in prioritization, problem‑solving, and adaptability.

Nice‑to‑haves

• Experience designing or interpreting LPI or rad‑hydro experiments.
• Knowledge of imprint requirements.
• Knowledge of rad‑hydro physics and simulations.
• Knowledge of laser science and optics.
• Experience leading a team.

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.