Cryogenics Engineer - IFE Target Systems
Inertia
Livermore, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
Location
Livermore
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Design and Engineering
Overview:
We are seeking a Cryogenics Engineer to lead the design and development of systems for layering the DT fuel in inertial fusion energy (IFE) targets. This will span prototypes to mass production systems where target throughput is at a few Hertz rate. The system will take a stream of targets at room temperature, to cryogenic temperature for condensing and layering the DT fuel and then pass the targets to a target injector (launcher) for acceleration into the power plant chamber. The cryogenics for housing the injector will be part of the development. Together these form key components for fueling the Inertia fusion power plant.
Primary Responsibilities:
Design and develop cryogenics systems for layering fuel in IFE targets.
Design and develop cryogenic systems for housing target injectors and assist in target injector design.
Develop tests to evaluate cryogenic system performance and analyze test results
Assist with other power plant cryogenic projects including tritium recovery and purification systems, and chamber gas purification and recirculation systems.
Qualifications:
Required:
PhD or MS, or experience equivalent, in Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or related field.
Demonstrated ability to design and develop complex cryogenics systems
Demonstrated ability to model static heat loads, transient cool downs in cryogenic systems.
Strong analytical data/measurement skills.
Preferred:
Experience with cryogenic mechanical and fluid handling systems.
Experience design systems for handling deuterium tritium (DT).
Experience with fusion cryogenic systems.
Experience with a variety of closed loop cryogenic plant equipment
Experience with FEM or FDM codes.
Salary & Benefits:
We offer an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!
About Inertia:
Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.