Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Computational Physicist image - Rise Careers
Job details

Computational 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 pulsed magnetic 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

Overview

Pacific Fusion is seeking talented computational physicists to join our Simulation and Modeling Team and help forge the path to commercial fusion energy. As a Computational Physicist, you will play an essential role in advancing our simulation capabilities, adding physics features, performing verification and validation benchmarks, and accelerating our path to achieving high gain fusion.

What you get to do

·        Own core components of our multiphysics code

·        Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, physicists, and data scientists to innovate in physics models, algorithms, and design methodology

·        Work with the team’s physicists to design and field experiments 

·        Conduct large-scale simulations using cloud-based HPC infrastructure 

·        Publish your findings and attend conferences to establish Pacific Fusion’s reputation for excellence and engage the broader physics community in our simulation efforts

Qualifications:

·        PhD in Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline

·        Research record in plasma physics, fusion energy, numerical or computational methods, astrophysics, materials science or other relevant specialty

·        Experience with modern software engineering practices including automated testing, version control, software design

·        Contributions to production-grade physics codes supporting non-developer users

Benefits:

  • 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. 

Average salary estimate

$100000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$80000K
$120000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Computational Physicist, Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion, a pioneering company in the clean energy sector founded in 2023, is on the lookout for a Computational Physicist to join our vibrant Simulation and Modeling Team in Livermore. Our mission centers on harnessing the power of pulsed magnetic fusion systems to create abundant and affordable clean energy. In this exciting role, you'll have the chance to own pivotal components of our cutting-edge multiphysics code. Collaboration is key at Pacific Fusion; you'll be working alongside an interdisciplinary team of brilliant computer scientists, physicists, and data scientists. Together, you'll innovate physics models and design methodologies that push the envelope of current capabilities. Your contributions will include conducting large-scale simulations using our cloud-based HPC infrastructure, which is integral to advancing our path towards achieving high gain fusion. Additionally, we value sharing knowledge and insights, so you'll have opportunities to publish your findings and participate in conferences, helping to establish Pacific Fusion’s reputation for excellence. If you hold a PhD in Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, or Applied Mathematics and have a research background that includes plasma physics or numerical methods, this could be your chance to make a significant impact in the world of clean energy. Join us in this urgent mission to provide sustainable power for the globe while tackling climate change head-on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Computational Physicist Role at Pacific Fusion
What are the key responsibilities of a Computational Physicist at Pacific Fusion?

As a Computational Physicist at Pacific Fusion, your core responsibilities will include owning and enhancing key components of our multiphysics code, collaborating with team members to innovate within physics models, and designing field experiments. You will also conduct large-scale simulations on our cloud-based HPC infrastructure, publish research findings, and attend conferences to foster collaboration and recognition in the physics community.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are required for the Computational Physicist position at Pacific Fusion?

Candidates for the Computational Physicist position at Pacific Fusion should possess a PhD in Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, a strong research background in areas such as plasma physics, fusion energy, or computational methods is crucial. A familiarity with modern software engineering practices, including automated testing and software design, is also expected.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can I work remotely as a Computational Physicist with Pacific Fusion?

While the role of Computational Physicist at Pacific Fusion is based in Livermore, the company may consider flexible remote work arrangements on a case-by-case basis. However, direct collaboration with the team through in-person engagement is highly valued to foster innovation and efficiency.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What benefits are offered to Computational Physicists at Pacific Fusion?

Pacific Fusion offers an industry-competitive salary, equity plan, and a generous benefits package. This includes 6% employer 401k matching, extensive paid time off that covers sick leave and family leave, as well as comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does Pacific Fusion support diversity and inclusion for Computational Physicists?

Pacific Fusion is deeply committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company considers all qualified applicants without bias towards race, gender identity, or other identities, and actively promotes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Computational Physicist
Can you describe your experience with multiphysics simulations relevant to the Computational Physicist role?

When addressing your experience with multiphysics simulations, be sure to highlight specific projects you've worked on that involved complex simulations. Discuss the methodologies you used, any challenges faced, and the results achieved, focusing on how they relate to fusion energy or plasma physics.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What modern software engineering practices do you utilize in developing computational models?

In your response, elaborate on practices like automated testing, version control systems such as Git, and your approach to software design. Emphasize how these practices enhance the reliability and efficiency of your computational models and ensure they are production-ready.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay updated with the latest developments in plasma physics and computational methods?

Discuss your methods for continued learning, such as attending conferences, reading relevant journals, and participating in online courses or workshops. Highlight specific sources you follow or communities you engage with that are pertinent to plasma physics and simulation methodologies.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a time you collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on a complex problem.

Provide an example that showcases your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Explain the context, your role, the diversity in the team’s expertise, and how you contributed to finding a solution, emphasizing the collaborative effort.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What challenges do you foresee in your work as a Computational Physicist at Pacific Fusion?

Identify potential challenges such as the integration of different physical models or the need to innovate under tight deadlines. Offer insights on how you would approach overcoming these obstacles and your commitment to finding solutions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you evaluate the accuracy and reliability of your simulations?

Discuss your approach to verification and validation, emphasizing methodologies like benchmarking against theoretical results or experimental data. Outline how these practices ensure the robustness of your simulation outcomes.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What motivates you to work on fusion energy projects specifically?

Connect your passion for fusion energy to a broader understanding of its potential benefits for the planet, focusing on personal motivations such as climate change initiatives, innovation, or a desire to explore uncharted territories in physics and engineering.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How would you approach designing field experiments alongside physicists?

Discuss your collaborative approach, how you would gather input from team members, and your understanding of experimental design principles. Address the importance of aligning experimental goals with theoretical concepts for impactful results.

Join Rise to see the full answer
When faced with tight deadlines, how do you prioritize your work?

Explain your prioritization strategy, emphasizing communication with stakeholders, an understanding of the tasks' impacts, and your ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining quality standards.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your experience with publishing research findings in high-impact journals?

Share details about your research publications, including the types of journals you’ve published in and what topics you covered. Highlight the importance of clear communication and peer engagement in your work.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 6 days ago

Seeking a skilled Transactional Attorney to navigate legal complexities at Pacific Fusion, a leader in clean energy innovation.

Photo of the Rise User

Join Pacific Fusion as a Senior Electrical Engineer, contributing to groundbreaking fusion energy technologies.

Photo of the Rise User
Posted 12 days ago

Join Kimley-Horn as an Environmental Science Analyst, where your expertise will drive significant projects in a collaborative atmosphere.

Photo of the Rise User

Join Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology team as a Clinical Translational Research Coordinator I to contribute to impactful clinical research addressing neurodegenerative disorders.

Photo of the Rise User
Cytokinetics Hybrid South San Francisco, California
Posted 11 days ago

Cytokinetics is seeking an Associate Director of Pharmacology to provide scientific leadership in innovative drug discovery aimed at improving cardiac muscle function.

Join Dora Factory as a Cryptography Research Engineer and help shape the future of decentralized governance and voting mechanisms.

Photo of the Rise User

Lead the RWE strategy at Johnson & Johnson, specializing in innovative medicine and global data science initiatives.

Photo of the Rise User
Gerald Group Hybrid Stamford, Connecticut, United States
Posted 2 days ago

As an ESG Analyst at Gerald Group, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's sustainability strategy and executing compliance measures.

Photo of the Rise User
Posted 11 days ago

Join Eurofins as an Oligonucleotide Process Development Scientist and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in drug development.

Lead groundbreaking oncology research at Deciphera as the Director of Biological Sciences to develop innovative cancer therapeutics.

Affordable fusion power inspired by nature. We’re taking an approach based on established science and designing for scale from the beginning. We will be sharing more soon.

45 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!