Laser Plasma Diagnostic Specialist

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Laser-Plasma Diagnostic Specialist to join our Experimental Physics team. This role is central to advancing Focused Energy's mission to realize commercial laser-driven fusion power. You will contribute to the development, integration, and deployment of advanced diagnostics for inertial fusion energy (IFE) experiments, enabling the characterization of laser-plasma interactions, target performance, and fusion-relevant physics. Working alongside physicists, optical, mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers, you will help design and commission state-of-the-art diagnostic systems spanning optical, X-ray, charged-particle, and nuclear measurements.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, integrate, and commission diagnostics for high-energy-density physics and inertial fusion experiments; Support diagnostic development across optical, X-ray imaging and spectroscopy, charged-particle, and neutron and gamma-ray diagnostics; Participate in defining diagnostic requirements for new experimental campaigns and facilities; Work closely with optical, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to translate diagnostic concepts into operational systems; Assist with diagnostic alignment, calibration, commissioning, and experimental operation; Analyze and interpret experimental data to evaluate diagnostic performance and extract scientific results; Contribute to experimental planning, diagnostic documentation, and technical reports; Support interactions with external collaborators, universities, and national laboratories

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in the design, development, integration, or operation of laser-plasma diagnostics; Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following diagnostic areas, with the ability and willingness to contribute across multiple diagnostic disciplines: Optical diagnostics, X-ray diagnostics, Charged-particle diagnostics, Nuclear diagnostics; Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field; 2-8 years of experience developing or operating diagnostics for laser-plasma physics experiments; Experience with one or more diagnostic techniques such as optical imaging or spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, particle detectors, neutron diagnostics, or high-speed imaging; Strong understanding of experimental optics, precision instrumentation, and vacuum-based experiments; Experience with experimental data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent scientific software; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams; Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have

Experience at high-power laser facilities; Knowledge of inertial confinement fusion, inertial fusion energy, or high-energy-density plasma physics; Experience with detector calibration, characterization, and uncertainty analysis; Familiarity with vacuum systems, radiation detectors, high-voltage systems, or precision opto-mechanical instrumentation; Experience with data acquisition systems, timing systems, and scientific imaging; Experience integrating diagnostics into complex experimental facilities; Familiarity with CAD software for diagnostic integration and mechanical design; Record of scientific publications related to laser-plasma physics or diagnostic development

Benefits

Incentive compensation; Equity; Benefits (may be available for certain roles)