Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing

About the role

Focused Energy is seeking a Senior Scientist to act as the central theoretical authority for laser-plasma interaction (LPI) modeling and beam smoothing within the Science team. In this capacity, the successful candidate will own the end-to-end physics translation between laser system capabilities and target implosion requirements. The role demands deep expertise in simulating and predicting LPI phenomena to de-risk our core inertial confinement fusion platform. You will serve as the primary scientific anchor for the beam smoothing project, ensuring theoretical consistency across all design iterations. This position is pivotal in bridging high-level laser engineering with detailed target physics to keep the roadmap aligned with commercial scale goals. The hire will directly influence critical hardware and experimental parameters through rigorous modeling and analysis. You will be expected to operate with high autonomy while collaborating across multiple specialized teams to solve complex, multi-physics challenges.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide theoretical and simulation support on the beam smoothing project, ensuring robustness against parametric instabilities.
• Coordinate laser beam requirements, including picket and drive beam design and beam port design, to meet target physics constraints.
• Support the roadmap, partnering with the diagnostics team and leading physics efforts to align experimental goals with technical feasibility.
• Provide theoretical support for implementation in the DUED code, translating models into actionable simulation frameworks.
• Provide theoretical support for LPI science across LPI experiments and simulations, guiding interpretation of complex data sets.
• Partner closely with the beam smoothing team, the laser and science teams working on beam requirements, the target design team, and the target physics team on LPI risk mitigation and imprint/hydrodynamic instabilities.
• Develop and maintain advanced mathematical models that describe laser-plasma coupling under extreme conditions.
• Design and execute simulation studies that inform critical decisions on beam configuration and energy delivery.
• Contribute to the definition of experimental acceptance criteria for new laser and target configurations.
• Act as a technical liaison with external collaborators and stakeholders to ensure alignment with Focused Energy's scientific objectives.

Requirements

MUST-HAVES

• PhD in plasma physics or an equivalent field.
• 10+ years of post-doc or staff scientist experience.
• Strong theoretical and simulation knowledge of beam smoothing techniques.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of LPI (CBET, SBS, SRS, and/or TPD) and experience with PIC/fluid simulations.
• Knowledge of High-Performance Computing (HPC).
• Excellent programming skills for HPC (OpenMP/MPI) in C++ and/or Python or an equivalent language.
• Strong mathematical background, including linear algebra, dynamical systems, partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, and numerical modeling.
• Strong background in laser fusion science.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong collaborator across technical teams.
• High capability in prioritization, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Nice to have

• Experience designing or interpreting LPI or rad-hydro experiments.
• Knowledge of imprint requirements.
• Knowledge of rad-hydro physics and simulations.
• Knowledge of laser science and optics.
• Experience leading a team.

Practical notes

20 days of vacation per year.

Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and out of the office.

Retiremen***t Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.

Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.

Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.

Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.

Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.

Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you'll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.

Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.

Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.