Experimental Physicist

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulser-driven inertial fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.

Why This Role Matters

Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Experimental Physicist to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will collaborate with engineers and scientists towards our demonstration of ignition and high-gain targets for fusion energy applications.

What You'll Do

• Run experiments at pulsed-power and other facilities to test aspects of our fusion target design.

• Design and implement optical diagnostics for the Demonstration System

• Develop analysis methods for experimental data.

What You Bring

• Experience with optical diagnostics in fusion or other experimental science, especially with interferometry, polarimetry, velocimetry, and similar techniques.

• Experience conducting fusion or high-energy density experiments, especially on pulser or laser driven inertial fusion facilities.

• A Ph.D degree in a relevant field, or other relevant experience speaking to the competencies above.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced cross-functional environment.

Bonus Points For

• Experience writing analysis software in python

Pay Range:

$138,000—$207,000 USD

Total Compensation & Benefits for Eligible Employees

•
Industry-competitive salary

•
Equity plan

•
6% employer 401k matching

•
Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

•
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.