Computational Plasma Physicist

About the Role

Fuse is the first private company building a fusion facility based on Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF), an approach proven through a decade of simulation and experiments at Sandia National Laboratories. Our work spans Impedance Matched Marx Generator (IMG) drivers, MagLIF and the broader high-energy-density physics (HEDP) that governs how our machines compress and heat fusion fuel.

We are building an in-house computational physics capability to model that physics end to end, from the pulsed-power driver to the imploding load to the fusion burn.

As a Computational Plasma Physicist, you will develop and apply PIC and MHD simulations of MagLIF, Z-pinch and HEDP experiments, working shoulder to shoulder with our experimental, pulsed-power and target teams to interpret what we measure and design what we build next. This is a high-ownership role with direct influence on our experimental program and machine design.

What We Value

• Obsess about the details - sloppy work costs us later, so do it right the first time.
• Care - pick up the trash. Do things no one asks you to do. Go the extra mile because you care.
• Act with urgency - every hour matters more than it feels like it does.
• Be responsible for the outcome, not just the task; if it is not working, it remains your problem until it is fixed.
• Assume good intent - disagree openly, then commit fully once a call is made.

Core Responsibilities

• Run and analyze hybrid, PIC and MHD simulations of MagLIF, liner, wire-array and Z-pinch implosions, and of the HEDP conditions they produce.
• Develop, extend and optimize simulation codes to improve physical fidelity, numerical accuracy and computational efficiency.
• Translate simulation output into physical insight that guides real decisions: implosion dynamics, instability growth, magnetic flux compression, preheat and fusion yield.
• Partner with experimentalists to design campaigns and interpret results, closing the loop between simulation and measurement.
• Model the full chain where relevant, from pulsed-power driver through load to burn, with the driver and target teams.
• Document and share results through internal reports, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Computational Science or a related field.
• Strong foundation in plasma physics and HEDP, with direct experience in MHD and/or PIC modeling of liner, wire-array or pinch implosions.
• Hands-on experience with high-performance computing and parallel programming.
• Proficiency in scientific programming in Fortran, C++ and Python.
• A track record of rigorous, well-communicated research and strong collaboration across a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with MagLIF or other HEDP / ICF experiments.
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as LSP, CHICAGO, HYDRA, FLASH, GORGON, MACH2 or comparable radiation-MHD / PIC codes.
• Experience coupling pulsed-power circuit models to load simulations.
• Background in instability analysis (MRT, electrothermal), magnetized transport, or equation-of-state / opacity modeling.
• Strong peer-reviewed publication record.

Additional Requirements

• This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility.
• Occasional travel to other Fuse locations and partner facilities.

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.

Itar Requirements

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.