CVD Coating Expert - Thick Films on Spheres
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 Diamond Coating Expert to lead development of thick-film high density carbon coatings on spherical substrates for next-generation fusion targets. This role will pioneer advanced CVD deposition techniques on curved geometries, including W doped diamond to enable large-scale manufacturing of precision fusion capsules.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop and optimize coating processes for spherical substrates that can scale from laboratory prototypes to high-throughput production systems
Investigate doping strategies (e.g., W-doped diamond)
Work with partners and vendors to develop these processes, and with Inertia’s mass-manufacturing scale-up production team
-
Validate coating uniformity and quality and document experimental results, methods, and scale-up pathways
Qualifications:
Required:
PhD or MS in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Experience with CVD (hot filament, plasma enhanced, or fluidized bed) or thick-film coating systems.
Strong analytical and diagnostic skills (SEM, X-ray tomography, etc.).
Preferred:
Demonstrated ability to work with spherical or complex 3D substrates.
Background in fusion target manufacturing or high-precision coatings.
-
Familiarity with process scale-up or industrial coating systems.
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.