Computational Physicist

About the role

As a Computational Physicist at Fuse, you'll develop the models and simulations that explore how our pulsed-power systems actually behave — turning physics, mathematics, and computational methods into predictions the team can build on.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run simulations for pulsed-power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models.
• Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation and delivery.
• Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations.
• Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics.
• Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models and optimize system performance.
• Develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC).
• Analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports.
• Develop software tools and algorithms to optimize simulation processes and improve computational efficiency.
• Stay up to date with advancements in computational techniques, programming languages, and physical theories to apply state-of-the-art methodologies to projects.
• Contribute to academic papers, technical reports, and presentations, sharing results with both internal teams and external collaborators.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics.
• Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes.
• Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB for numerical modeling.
• Experience with HPC environments and parallel computing.
• Strong foundation in theoretical physics, including electromagnetism, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, or related areas.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to present complex results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to the applicable Fuse facility.
• To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus devices, and fusion energy concepts.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions.
• Experience working in experimental plasma physics or fusion research.
• Strong publication record in computational physics or related fields.
• Background in developing custom software tools for physical simulations.
• Familiarity with version control tools and collaborative software-development practices.
• Prior experience publishing research or contributing to academic journals and conferences.

What We Value

• Give a shit.
• Build things you're proud of.
• Take responsibility. If something is broken and you can fix it, fix it.
• See things through.
• Move fast. Make decisions, learn quickly, and keep moving forward.
• Think bigger.
• Simplify relentlessly.
• Don't default to the safe answer.
• Disagree and commit. The best idea wins. Once a decision is made, we move.
• Desire to win. This is hard. Expect intensity. We are here to win. Plan B is to make Plan A work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Relocation assistance for roles that require it.
• Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking.
• 2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year, subject to team and business needs.
• Supportive leave of absence policies.
• Paid leave for new parents.

Pay

Compensation Range: $150K - $200K