Laser Plasma Interaction Computational Physicist

About the role

The is a pivotal role within our high-performance computing group, driving the core physics that underpins our fusion energy platform. You will own the laser plasma interaction (LPI) physics embedded within our primary simulation code base, shaping the strategic direction of our computational capabilities on a daily basis. This position requires you to design, extend, and develop next-generation in-house code while strategically leveraging community simulation tools to address complex scientific challenges. A central focus will be creating computational frameworks that accurately model intricate phenomena such as collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, and the coupled effects of LPI critical to our energy systems. The models you architect will be essential for the design, optimization, and validation of our inertial fusion energy systems. You will translate high-level scientific insight into robust, functional software modules that integrate seamlessly and operate with precision within our product stack. This role demands rigorous examination of LPI outcomes by correlating simulation data with experimental measurement records to ensure fidelity.

This is a full-time, onsite position located at our headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and evolve the core laser plasma interaction (LPI) physics modules within our primary simulation code base, defining the strategic computational framework for the energy platform.
• Design and develop next-generation in-house computational capabilities while integrating and leveraging external community simulation tools to address complex inertial fusion challenges.
• Create high-fidelity computational models that accurately simulate collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, and the intricate coupled effects of laser plasma interaction essential for system optimization.
• Translate high-level scientific insights and theoretical principles into robust, scalable, and production-ready software modules that integrate seamlessly into our product stack.
• Critically examine LPI simulation outcomes by establishing rigorous correlations between computational data and experimental measurement records to validate model accuracy.
• Refine numerical schemes and algorithms to ensure they operate effectively within the strict runtime and memory constraints imposed by high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and physics teams to guarantee that models integrate smoothly, efficiently, and reliably into analysis workflows and larger system-wide applications.
• Implement advanced parallel programming models, specifically MPI and GPU acceleration techniques, to maximize computational performance and scalability.
• Maintain clarity and precision in all documentation of methods, algorithms, and workflows to ensure that future teams can easily adapt, extend, and build upon your work.
• Rigorously test core algorithms and simulation components to verify correctness, stability, and performance prior to their integration into larger system-wide applications.
• Optimize code for maximum execution efficiency and reliability, balancing sophisticated physics modeling with the practical demands of HPC environments.
• Drive the development of software solutions that meet the stringent demands of modeling complex laser plasma interactions for next-generation energy systems.
• Contribute to the establishment of best practices and standards for simulation methodology, code quality, and validation within the LPI physics domain.
• Support the creation of detailed technical specifications that articulate the computational models and their physical basis for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a technical expert in laser plasma interaction phenomena, applying deep knowledge to solve critical problems in inertial confinement fusion energy development.

Requirements

• Possession of a PhD in plasma physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related technical field demonstrating advanced theoretical and computational expertise.
• Multiple years of professional experience writing high-performance computing (HPC) simulation code in either C++ or Fortran, with a proven track record of delivering robust solutions.
• A mandatory, in-depth understanding of collisional kinetic effects in plasmas and ray tracing methodologies essential for accurate LPI modeling.
• Demonstrated, required expertise in parallel programming models, specifically MPI for distributed memory computing and GPU acceleration techniques such as CUDA or OpenCL.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where rapid iteration and tangible results are paramount.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of code quality, documentation, and software engineering practices to ensure long-term maintainability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to diagnose complex computational issues and devise efficient numerical solutions.
• The capability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of elite experts in technology, fusion science, and advanced manufacturing.
• Willingness to adhere to the strict coding standards and validation protocols required for simulation software used in critical energy applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly to both technical and interdisciplinary audiences.
• A disciplined approach to testing and verification, ensuring that all computational models are accurate and reliable before deployment.
• The capacity to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in complex computational workflows.
• A passion for contributing to global decarbonization efforts through the development of clean, abundant energy solutions based on inertial fusion.

Nice to have

• Direct experience with laser plasma interaction phenomena as they are applied to energy systems, including relevant experimental validation knowledge.

Practical notes

Please confirm all details regarding this opportunity on the official application page. We are eager to review your application and discuss how your expertise can help power a better world through inertial fusion.