Scientist - Scenarios and Integrated Modeling at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Massachusetts, United States

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Fusion Energy, Clean Energy, Physics ResearchIndustries

Requirements

  • PhD in plasma physics or a closely related discipline
  • Minimum 2 years post-PhD experience in magnetic fusion
  • Significant experience with fusion plasma simulation and modeling software
  • Significant experience in planning, executing, and/or analyzing fusion experiments
  • Expertise in magnetic fusion experiment and simulation
  • Strong insight on physics issues

Responsibilities

  • Refine, optimize, and validate a comprehensive integrated modeling toolset capable of predicting plasma performance and dynamics (including models of core turbulent and neoclassical transport, H-mode pedestal and L-mode edge, coupling to boundary, ICRH heating, energetic particle physics, MHD stability, and impurity transport; rapid execution workflows for control and experiment planning, higher fidelity models for offline analysis)
  • Work closely with a multi-institutional team of experts to incorporate state-of-the-art physics capabilities and validate models
  • Employ integrated modeling tools to plan and execute plasma pulses to achieve key goals including net fusion power on SPARC, and continuously improve toolset as new data becomes available
  • Identify, execute, and continuously improve operational scenarios for achieving SPARC goals
  • Work closely with physics, diagnostics, operations, plasma control, and software teams to design and execute plasma scenarios on SPARC
  • Contribute to physics design and optimization of ARC
  • Develop plasma physics scenarios for SPARC and ARC based on comprehensive integrated simulation and modeling of the core and edge plasma
  • Coordinate with a multi-institutional team of plasma physics experts to develop and improve an integrated modeling toolset, and employ it for experimental planning and analysis on SPARC
  • Play a key role in defining plasma operation goals and identifying optimal operation scenarios
  • Participate directly in execution and analysis of SPARC operations

Skills

plasma physics
integrated modeling
simulation
tokamak
SPARC
ARC
experimental planning
edge plasma modeling
predictive toolchain

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Develops and commercializes fusion energy systems

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems focuses on developing fusion energy as a clean and sustainable power source. The company utilizes advanced magnet technology, created in partnership with MIT, to build smaller and more affordable fusion systems called tokamaks. These devices use magnetic fields to confine plasma in a toroidal shape, which is an effective method for achieving fusion. Currently, CFS is manufacturing high-temperature superconducting magnets and constructing SPARC, the first commercially-relevant net energy fusion machine. The success of SPARC is intended to lead to the development of ARC, the first fusion power plant. CFS differentiates itself from competitors by its commitment to scientific integrity and a mission-driven approach, focusing on delivering cost-competitive fusion energy to help combat climate change. The ultimate goal is to provide a reliable and abundant energy source for energy providers and industries that require significant power.

Harvard, MassachusettsHeadquarters
2018Year Founded
$1,958.7MTotal Funding
GRANTCompany Stage
EnergyIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

12.5 Company-wide Holidays
Our vacation policy is 'take vacation'
Our sick time policy is 'get better and try not to make others sick'
Generous parental leave policy
Health Reimbursement
Health, Dependent Care, & Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts
Delta Dental, Blue 20/20 Vision optional
Wellbeing / Headspace coverage
Short-term & long-term disability
Life and AD&D insurance
401K

Risks

Competition from companies like TAE Technologies could impact CFS's market position.
Reliance on rare-earth materials poses supply chain risks.
Public perception of nuclear fusion technology remains uncertain.

Differentiation

CFS uses rare-earth barium copper oxide superconductor technology for energy development.
CFS collaborates with MIT for advanced fusion research and magnet technology.
CFS is building SPARC, the first commercially-relevant net energy fusion machine.

Upsides

CFS plans to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant in Virginia.
Increased investment in fusion energy startups indicates strong investor interest.
Government net-zero targets align with CFS's clean energy mission.

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