Computational Physicist
$150,000–$200,000 year
On-siteSan Leandro, California, United States
Job Summary
Develop and run simulations for pulsed-power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models to predict system behavior. Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation, while conducting magnetohydrodynamic simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations. Implement particle-in-cell simulations for plasma interactions, model impedance matching in Marx generators, and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads. Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models, optimize system performance, and develop custom computational tools for high-performance computing. Analyze large data sets to extract insights and present findings in clear reports, contributing to academic papers and technical documentation. Provide technical mentorship to junior team members and stay current with advancements in computational techniques and physical theories.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics
- Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes
- Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques
- Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB for numerical modeling
- Experience with HPC environments and parallel computing
- Strong foundation in theoretical physics, including electromagnetism, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, or related areas
- Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail
- Ability to present complex results to technical and non-technical audiences
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus devices, and fusion energy concepts
- Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods
- Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions
- Experience working in experimental plasma physics or fusion research
- Strong publication record in computational physics or related fields
- Background in developing custom software tools for physical simulations
- Familiarity with version control tools and collaborative software-development practices
- Prior experience publishing research or contributing to academic journals and conferences
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