Senior Computational Physicist, Stellarator Optimization

As a Senior Computational Physicist - Stellarator Optimization, you will design the magnetic fields and coils at the core of our stellarators. You will balance plasma performance with engineering requirements, prioritizing simple, practical designs that can be built. Your work will directly shape Stellaris, our first commercial fusion power plant. Prior fusion, tokamak, or stellarator experience is not required. You bring the computational attitude and willingness to learn the physics.

Responsibilities

Release optimized plasma and coil geometries that engineering teams use to design magnets, supporting structures, and surrounding sub-systems; Resolve design trade-offs between physics, engineering and assembly requirements; Own research projects that overcome technical challenges, choosing questions by their impact to the stellarator and carrying answers through to engineering decisions; Deliver results in time for design milestones, with clear recommendations, checked assumptions, and uncertainties that engineers can work with; Design the magnetic fields and coils at the core of the stellarators, balancing plasma performance with engineering requirements

Requirements

Strong mathematical reasoning and experience solving difficult computational problems; Ability to work from first principles and choose methods that fit the question; Independent research driven to useful outcomes in academia or industry; Ability to frame ambiguous problems, set priorities, and deliver without detailed instructions; Understanding that designs must meet requirements and deadlines; Writing clear, reliable scientific code; Comfort with Python or ability to become productive in it quickly; Use of testing, version control, and code review; Master's degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience