Thermal Mechanical Analyst/Engineer - IFE Target Survival
Inertia
IT
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 Thermal Mechanical Analyst/ Engineer to lead the analysis and tests of inertial fusion energy (IFE) target survival. The cryogenic targets will need to survive high speed launch into the high temperature, gas-filled power plant chamber. Determination of target material property performance metrics to allow target survival, and tests of materials to meet these metrics are a key role for the power plant.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop and conduct thermal and mechanical analyses of the target launch (injection) into the power plant chamber, providing metrics for IFE target materials for survival of the target.
Develop tests of target materials to demonstrate the material’s required performance.
Develop tests to validate thermal mechanical analysis models.
Assess test data.
Assist with other power plant thermal mechanical design projects including systems for filling and layering of cryogenic targets, blanket design, and thermal management of laser amplifiers and final optics.
Qualifications:
Required:
PhD or MS, or experience equivalent, in Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or related field.
Demonstrated ability to model transient multi-physics phenomena including conduction, convection, thermal radiation, and impulse.
Experience with FEA and DSMC codes
Strong analytical data/measurement skills.
Preferred:
Experience with continuum, transition, and molecular flow heat transport modeling
Experience with phase change thermal and transport modeling
Experience with fusion, and cryogenic systems
Experience modeling deuterium tritium (DT) or other self-heating materials
Experience modelling systems of extreme geometric proportions
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.