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.

At Focused Energy, we are not only aiming for long term game changing solutions but are also solving near term challenges with global impact. We are developing SourceLight, a breakthrough initiative that pioneers compact, laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS). These dual-mode sources combine MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single system, enabling real-time, non-destructive inspection of complex or shielded materials. Our technology addresses critical challenges across nuclear waste storage, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production.

We are a cross-disciplinary team of laser and plasma physicists, engineers, and AI experts building our first pilot facility in Biblis (Germany). Be part of shaping this deep-tech venture from the ground up!

Your mission is to directly enhance the performance of our laser-driven ion source, a core component of the SourceLight platform. You will take ownership of a critical research area, bridging the gap between advanced computational modeling and experimental reality. This role is a unique opportunity to drive a project from theoretical concept to hardware implementation, making a direct impact on a technology that is going to redefine multiple industries.

What You Will Do:

Use simulations to improve ion acceleration: Lead the computational effort 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: You will then 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. Translate your simulation findings into hardware specifications. You will work hand-in-hand with our engineering team to design and integrate your solutions.

Implement Intelligent Experimental Control: Go beyond simulation by integrating your machine learning algorithms directly into the experimental setup and drive the system performance.

Lead your project: Take full ownership of your research domain, managing the project from end-to-end. You will set clear goals, define timelines, and communicate results that guide the company's technical roadmap.

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications:

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

A minimum of 3 years of experience in the field of 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 like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently.


What We Offer:

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

Career Development: We invest in our people. 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.

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.

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

Flexibility: We offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home up to two days a week when it suits you.

Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen.

Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.

Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop, fully equipped from day one.

Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture.

Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s public transportation, taxis or car-sharing.

Fitness with Wellhub: Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with 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 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.