Design Physicist – LPI and Low-Density Plasmas - Livermore
3 hours ago
Job description
Overview:
We are seeking a Design Physicist to study laser–plasma interaction (LPI) and laser propagation physics relevant to Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE). This role focuses on understanding laser absorption, speckle formation, parametric instabilities, and hot-electron generation in laser-generated plasmas, to improve coupling efficiency and predictive modeling of Inertia's fusion targets. You will work closely with the systems modeling and laser science teams to reconcile the target design and laser architecture for manageable LPI.
Primary Responsibilities:
Studying speckle formation and beam smoothing in high-powered laser systems.
Using simulation tools, such as pF3D, to estimate laser propagation and instability growth for Inertia.
Collaborating with LLNL on an Inertia-LLNL contract to model LPI using LLNL simulation capabilities.
Designing and analyzing laser–plasma experiments to study energy coupling, instability mitigation, and cross-beam energy transfer, integrating insights into the laser system and target design.
Qualifications:
Required:
PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
Strong foundation in plasma physics and computational modeling.
Background in laser–plasma interaction or inertial confinement fusion research.
Experience with simulation tools or programming (Python, C++, or equivalent).
Preferred:
Familiarity with Maxwell–Vlasov (MV), MVFP, and PIC codes.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Salary & Benefits:
The base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $275,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.
We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more
About Inertia:
Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.
Similar jobs
Overview: · We are seeking a Design Physicist to perform simulations aimed at optimizing and assessing the impact of low-mode asymmetries on implosion performance for Inertia's target designs. In the near term, this role focuses on designing novel laser–target coupling schemes op ...
3 hours ago
We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, · ideas, experiences, · and different perspectives, ...
3 weeks ago
Overview: · We are seeking an Experimental Physicist to investigate and advance Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) relevant physics, including the effects of material defects on implosion performance and the radiation drive behavior of alternative hohlraum materials. This role bridges ...
3 hours ago
We have multiple openings for HED Physics - Postdoctoral Experimental Physicists to independently execute experiments and/or develop instrumentation in support of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and OMEGA laser-matter research. · PhD in plasma physics, hydrodynamics, shock p ...
1 month ago
Overview:We are seeking a Diamond Coating Expert to lead development of thick-film high density carbon coatings on spherical substrates for next-generation fusion targets. · ...
1 month ago
Overview: · We are seeking a Diamond Coating Expert to lead development of thick-film high density carbon coatings on spherical substrates for next-generation fusion targets. This role will pioneer advanced CVD deposition techniques on curved geometries, including W doped diamond ...
4 hours ago
We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. These positions are in the Physics Division of the Physical & Life Sciences Directorate. · Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance w ...
1 month ago
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory LLNL has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen US security and promote global stability With a culture built on innovation and operational excellen ...
4 weeks ago
We have multiple openings for graduate students and students who have received a bachelor's or master's degree to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. · Work with scientists conducting research in experiments, theory or modeling simulation, ...
1 month ago
Physics Division Undergraduate Intern - Winter/Spring 2026
Only for registered members
We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. · Opportunities include participation in projects lead by LLNL scientists in the research areas including: Applied Physics (Optical and X-Ray Imagin ...
4 weeks ago
We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals.Opportunities include participation in projects lead by LLNL scientists in the research areas including: · Applied Physics (Optical and X-Ray Imaging ...
4 weeks ago
We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, · experiences,and different perspectives. · ...
1 month ago
+Job summary · A postdoctoral appointee position is available at Sandia National Laboratories in fundamental studies of electron driven chemistry, chemical dynamics, and imaging of gas-phase chemically reacting systems. · +Conduct experimental research under the mentorship of Dr. ...
2 weeks ago
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World Join us and make YOUR mark on the World Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability Our mission spa ...
4 weeks ago
Physics Division Undergraduate Intern - Winter/Spring 2026
Only for registered members
We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. Opportunities include participation in projects lead by LLNL scientists in the research areas including: Applied Physics (Optical and X-Ray Imaging, ...
1 month ago
We have multiple openings for graduate students and students who have received a bachelor's or master's degree to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. These positions are in the Physics Division of the Physical & Life Sciences Directorate. · ...
1 week ago
Join us and make YOUR mark on the WorldLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. ...
1 week ago
We are seeking multiple Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Scientists to develop and apply advanced CFD simulations to understand and predict gas flow dynamics inside our fusion, target, and laser systems. · This role will focus on building and running high-fidelity CFD models—of ...
1 month ago
We are seeking multiple Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Scientists to develop and apply advanced CFD simulations to understand and predict gas flow dynamics inside our fusion systems. · Develop run and interpret CFD simulations of fluid flow across a wide range of operating co ...
1 month ago
A Postdoctoral Appointee position is available at Sandia National Laboratories in fundamental studies of electron driven chemistry, chemical dynamics, and imaging of gas-phase chemically reacting systems. · Conduct experimental research under the mentorship of Dr. Jonathan Frank ...
2 weeks ago