Optical Simulation Scientist

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. 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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Optical Simulation Engineer to develop and apply advanced computational tools that model the complex optical and multiphysics behavior of our high-energy laser systems. In this role, you will build high-fidelity digital models that directly inform system architecture, component design, and experimental validation for next-generation fusion laser drivers.

Your work will be foundational to our digital twin environment — enabling predictive optimization, accelerating design cycles, reducing experimental risk, and helping transform advanced laser physics into reliable, scalable energy infrastructure.

What you’ll do

• Multiphysics Simulation Development: Design, build, and validate integrated optical and multiphysics simulation frameworks that couple laser amplification, optical propagation, thermal, mechanical, and fluid effects into predictive system models.

• Laser System Modeling: Model complex amplifier architectures, gain media, pump geometries, and thermal management schemes to predict efficiency, beam quality, optical distortions, and stability under high-average-power operation.

• Digital Twin Enablement: Develop and maintain the simulation backbone of Focused Energy’s digital twin environment, enabling system-level optimization, trade studies, and performance forecasting.

• Model Validation & Uncertainty Analysis: Integrate experimental data with simulation outputs, perform sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, and continuously refine models to improve predictive accuracy and decision confidence.

• Cross-Functional Design Support: Partner closely with optical engineers, laser physicists, and experimental teams to ensure alignment between models, prototypes, and performance targets — and to guide design iteration.

• Optimization & Acceleration: Implement surrogate models, reduced-order techniques, and optimization workflows to accelerate simulations and support large-scale design space exploration.

• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Produce high-quality technical documentation, model descriptions, and internal tools that are usable, maintainable, and trusted across the organization.

Who you are

• Master’s or Ph.D. in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field — or equivalent experience building physics-based simulation tools in complex R&D environments.

• Deep understanding of laser and optical systems, including propagation, polarization, scattering, spectral effects, and their interaction with thermal and mechanical phenomena.

• Proven experience developing multiphysics or digital twin models for complex physical systems and using them to drive engineering or scientific decisions.

• Proficiency with multiphysics and optical tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, Zemax, FRED, CodeV) and strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar) with version control (Git).

• You approach modeling as a scientific discipline — validating assumptions, quantifying uncertainty, and continuously improving fidelity and usefulness.

• Comfortable working across disciplines and translating complex simulation results into actionable insights for experimental and design teams.

• Preferred: Experience with system modeling tools (Simulink, Modelica, Simcenter, Twin Builder) and integrated digital engineering workflows.

• Preferred: Familiarity with HPC environments, parallel computing (MPI, CUDA), and automation pipelines for large-scale simulation and optimization.

• Preferred: Hands-on exposure to laser systems or optomechanical hardware and an appreciation for how real-world behavior informs and constrains models.

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.