Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer to join our Science and Engineering team. This is a critical, hands-on technical role responsible for developing and integrating advanced CFD models of the fusion chamber environment. Your work will directly inform the design of the core reactor systems, ensuring component survivability and optimizing the key processes within the chamber. You will be responsible for translating complex gas dynamics—from free-molecular to continuous flow regimes—into reliable computational predictions that are coupled into our multi-physics design framework.

What you’ll do:

- Model Development & Validation: Develop and rigorously validate a high-fidelity CFD model of the fusion chamber. The model must accurately capture dominant gas dynamics, including reverberation and complex hybrid flow behavior that ranges from free-molecular to continuous.

- Parametric Simulation & Analysis: Design and execute a systematic series of CFD simulations to explore and optimize design parameters. Analyze the influence of chamber geometry, port configuration, gas type, and pressure on the resulting flow fields.

- Integrated System Design: Work seamlessly with mechanical, thermal, and target injection teams to integrate CFD results into the broader reactor design framework. This involves:

- Coupling CFD-derived flow fields and thermal loads with thermo-mechanical solvers to assess first wall survivability.

- Integrating CFD results with target injection models to evaluate the aerodynamic stability of the fusion capsule during flight.

- Digital Engineering & Tools: Develop robust meshing tools, High-Performance Computing (HPC) workflows, and visualization tools to ensure that CFD simulations are scalable, efficient, and reproducible within our large-scale research and development environment. R&D Execution: Define necessary model improvements and validation activities to continuously de-risk the reactor gas dynamics and thermal management designs.

- External Collaboration Management: Actively manage and maintain external research collaborations with universities, national laboratories, and other research groups to leverage specialized expertise and resources for CFD model validation and advanced flow physics studies.

Who you are:

- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field with a strong focus on CFD.

- Proven expertise (5+ years post-degree or equivalent experience) in developing, validating, and applying CFD models for complex, transient, or reacting flow problems.

- Strong proficiency with commercial or open-source CFD software packages (e.g., Fluent, OpenFOAM, etc.).

- Experience with HPC environments and developing scalable simulation workflows.

- Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) for automation, meshing, and post-processing.

- Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred:

- Direct experience with hybrid flow regimes (e.g., combining Navier-Stokes and DSMC) or high-temperature gas dynamics.

- Experience in fusion energy, shock physics, or multi-physics coupling.

- Familiarity with systems engineering and verification/validation processes for computational models.

What we offer:

- Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.

- Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.

- Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.

- Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.

- Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

- Flexibility: We believe work should adapt to your life—not the other way around. That’s why we offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home when it suits you.

- Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.

- Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.