About Pacific Fusion 

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders. 

About the Role

Job 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 Senior Target Design Physicist is to design pulsed magnetic fusion implosions using large radiation-magnetohydrodynamics computer codes. 

  Strong candidates will have the following core competencies: 

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

Qualifications:

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

• Extensive knowledge of plasma physics and related subjects

• 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

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

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

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

Benefits:

• Industry-competitive salary

• Equity plan

• 6% employer 401k matching

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

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range. 

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know. 

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.