Laser Plasma Physicist (AI/ML)

About the Company & Role

Focused Energy is the leading laser‑driven fusion company pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. The global company, based in Darmstadt, Germany and the San Francisco Bay Area, has brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. We are not only aiming for long‑term, game‑changing solutions but also solving near‑term challenges with global impact. Our SourceLight initiative pioneers compact, laser‑driven radiation sources (LDRS) that combine MeV X‑rays and fast neutrons in a single system, enabling real‑time, non‑destructive inspection of complex or shielded materials. These technologies address critical challenges across nuclear waste storage, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production.

What You Will Do

• Use simulations to improve ion acceleration: lead the computational effort to improve the laser‑plasma interaction by controlling the pre‑plasma; use particle‑in‑cell and hydrodynamic simulations to increase laser‑driven ion acceleration.
• Apply Bayesian optimization: apply machine learning and Bayesian methods to systematically discover the ideal parameters for peak performance.
• Translate simulation into reality: bridge the gap between theory and application by converting simulation findings into hardware specifications and collaborating with engineering to design and integrate solutions.
• Implement intelligent experimental control: integrate machine‑learning algorithms directly into the experimental setup to drive system performance.
• Lead your project: take full ownership of the research domain, managing the project from end‑to‑end, setting clear goals, defining timelines, and communicating results that guide the company’s technical roadmap.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

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Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in high‑power femtosecond lasers and laser‑plasma acceleration.

Demonstrated experience with high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.

Proven expertise with PIC and/or hydrodynamic simulation codes (e.g., EPOCH, Smilei, Warp, Hydra, Flash).

Solid understanding and practical experience with machine‑learning algorithms and Bayesian optimization.

Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in optimizing laser‑plasma interaction to improve particle acceleration.
• Proficiency with ML/AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Excellent project‑management and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently.

What we offer

• Innovative technology and mission: be part of a company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career development: invest in our people with opportunities to grow and advance in an early, growing company.
• Collaborative culture: work with top‑tier scientists, engineers, and professionals in a dynamic, international environment.
• Ownership: take ownership from day 1 and shape the future of our companyli>
• Your success is our success: competitive salary and company ownership through stock options.
• Vacation: 30 days of vacation per year.
• Flexibility: hybrid setup with two days of remote work per week if desired.
• Snacks and drinks: healthy office snacks and drinks, with a subsidized canteen in Darmstadt.
• Retirement plan: 15% top‑up on private pension plan contributions.
• Equipment: choose between a state‑of‑the‑art Windows or Apple laptop fully equipped from day one.
• Events: regular events to foster team bonding and collaboration.
• Mobility: partnership with NAVIT for flexible commuting options.
• Fitness: access to gyms, fitness studios, and wellness services across Europe through Wellhub.

Focused Energy is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

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