Reactor Chamber Scientist

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply. 

Focused Energy is seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. The goal of the team is to maximize the service life of the so-called first wall of the reactor chamber that is most heavily loaded with fast neutrons, charged particles, and x-ray radiation. The resulting damage to the material determines the service life of the first wall due to mainly embrittling effects and thermal load. In this position, you will lead a small team of scientists and engineers working on the design of a first-wall module with a service life that is at least doubled, which significantly increases the economic viability of our fusion power plant. You will lead the design, the development, and the validation of mechanical components of the reactor chamber components and a mockup version of a first wall, as independent component with its own cooling system, that will be tested in the laboratory and need to be compatible with the potential reactor blanket design.

What you'll do

• Simulation of the particle’s irradiation of the conceptual chamber where the first wall will be incorporated with evaluation of its radiation damage.

• Perform nuclear analysis from neutron irradiated materials.

• Oversee the fluid-dynamic analysis related to liquid metal and gas coolant in complex geometrical systems by using the ANSYS software. This work will be primarily devoted to the design of the first wall mockup and extended to the coupling with the breeder blanket.

• Interpret results from experiments of heat exchange and temperature effects in materials.

Who you are

• PhD-degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or equivalent.

• 3+ years’ work experience as Scientist or Mechanical Engineer in fusion research.

• Proven track record in fusion research.

• Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA), fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, and multi-physics engineering simulations.

• Experience in thermo-mechanics.

• Knowledge of using radiation hydrodynamic simulation codes is plus.

• Expertise in using transport codes for neutrons, gammas, ions, and x-ray radiation in 3-D detailed geometries.

• Demonstrated experience in solving complex problems.

• Experience in working both independently as well as in a team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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 perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment 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.