Target Design Physicist

Overview

Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Target Design Physicist to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will contribute to the design, simulation, and development of the fusion targets that form the heart of our advanced fusion energy systems. You will collaborate with pulser engineers, target engineers, and experimental scientists to develop a driver-target system capable of ignition and high gain for fusion energy applications.

Responsibilities:

The main responsibility of a Target Design Physicist is to design pulsed magnetic fusion implosions using large radiation-magnetohydrodynamics computer codes. 

Strong candidates will have the following core competencies: 

1. Independence: This role requires computational design in a fast-moving, dynamic environment with limited support and oversight. 

2. Tradecraft: This role requires setting up, managing, and analyzing the results of large computer code calculations. The Target Designer must also collaborate with code physicists to develop the computational tools required to meet this grand challenge.

3. Domain expertise: Target Designers must use analytical theory and lightweight computational models to validate their design calculations and to explore and understand the pulsed magnetic fusion design space.

4. Problem solving: A Target Designer must work with Target Fabrication engineers to translate targets designs into practical, buildable solutions.

5. Communication: A Target Designer is expected to compile, document, and communicate research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in physics, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

2. Extensive knowledge of plasma physics and related subjects

3. Proven track record of designing and analyzing high energy density physics experiments, such as Z-pinches or laser-driven inertial fusion implosions, using production hydrodynamics codes

4. Experience using high-level programming languages such as python, Matlab, or IDL, to manage and interrogate simulations

5. Familiarity with UNIX systems and High Performance Computing (HPC) environments 

6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of high-level publications and presentations

Benefits:

• Industry-competitive salary

• Equity plan

• Free lunches

• Up to 6% employer 401k matching

• Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance