Job Description
We are looking for inquisitive engineers and scientists of all levels to join our Target Design Team at First Light Fusion. The team works to invent the novel targets we need for our current and future fusion experiments and power plant designs, as we work to make inertial fusion energy generation a reality.
Fusion power has the potential to provide the ultimate source of green, low-carbon energy. First Light Fusion is working on a novel approach to inertial fusion, where a small high-velocity projectile impacts into a target containing fusion fuel. Targets must harness the energy applied by the projectile and focus it within the fuel to create the extreme temperatures and densities required for fusion. Achieving this requires highly complex targets.
In this role, you will work on inertial fusion targets through all stages of development, from basic theory through to final specification of designs for experiments. You will use our in-house simulation tools to invent new ideas and approaches, utilising a machine-learning based approach to optimise concepts. You will design targets to reach ignition on our future pulsed power machine M4, expected to be the largest of its kind in the world, and develop our ideas for high-gain targets for the First Light Fusion reactor concept.
We are looking to hire people from all experience levels from graduate to lead engineer; initial salary level and responsibilities will depend on your experience.
Responsibilities will include:
- Invention, optimisation and analysis of novel inertial fusion targets.
- Simulation of targets using our in-house hydrodynamic and magneto-hydrodynamic codes.
- Utilisation of cutting-edge machine learning optimisation techniques to maximise target performance.
- Using Python and other analytical tools to understand simulation results, identify trends and spot opportunities in designs
Essential
- Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar.
- A creative, problem-solving mindset.
- Experience using simulation tools to solve technical problems.
- Basic knowledge of shock physics, for example from study of hydrodynamics or astrophysics.
- Good programming skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good programming skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of inertial confinement fusion and/or high energy density physics.
- Experience with machine learning and other advanced optimisation methods.
- Programming experience in Python, C++ or Fortran.