Physicist
Fuse · Albuquerque
About Fuse
We are building one of the most potentially consequential companies of the century. Our mission is to accelerate the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. This is not a normal company. This is not a normal job. We are committed for the long term to win.
About the Role
You'll be the physicist in the room when the machine fires. You'll design shot campaigns, define what we're trying to learn from each one, and make the real-time calls that keep an experimental program moving.
This is a hands-on experimental role — you'll be on the floor during commissioning and shots, not just interpreting results after the fact. You'll work closely with computational and diagnostics teams, but the buck stops with you on whether an experiment is ready to fire and what it means once it has.
Core Responsibilities
Design and lead experimental shot campaigns on Fuse's pulsed-power machines, defining objectives, configurations, and success criteria for each shot.
Take responsibility for go/no-go decisions on experimental readiness in real time, working directly with engineering and operations teams.
Interpret shot data alongside diagnostics and computational teams; identify what worked, what didn't, and what to change for the next campaign.
Collaborate with Computational Physicists to validate simulations against real experimental results and refine models.
Work with Nuclear Engineers and diagnostics teams to ensure radiation diagnostics are correctly configured.
Drive continuous improvement of experimental procedures based on shot-to-shot learnings.
Present findings internally and, where appropriate, externally through technical reports and publications.
Mentor and guide junior physicists and engineers supporting experimental operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated experience designing and executing experimental campaigns, not just analyzing existing data.
Strong understanding of plasma physics, pulsed-power systems, or nuclear effects testing.
Ability to make sound technical decisions under time pressure during live experimental operations.
Strong communication skills across engineering, physics, and operations teams.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field. Exceptional Master's candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
Experience with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus, or other pulsed-power fusion concepts.
Familiarity with radiation diagnostics and detector systems.
Publication record in experimental plasma or high-energy-density physics.
What We Value
Give a shit. Build things you're proud of.
Take responsibility. If something is broken and you can fix it, fix it. See things through.
Move fast. Make decisions, learn quickly, and keep moving forward.
Think bigger. Simplify relentlessly. Don't default to the safe answer.
Disagree and commit. The best idea wins. Once a decision is made, we move.
Desire to win. This is hard. Expect intensity. We are here to win.
Plan B is to make Plan A work.
Additional Requirements
This is an onsite position at Fuse's Albuquerque, NM facility and requires relocation if not already local.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends when experimental schedules require it.
Ability and willingness to travel to other Fuse facilities as needed.
Security Clearance
This role may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Relocation assistance for roles that require it.
Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking.
2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year, subject to team and business needs.
Supportive leave of absence policies.
Paid leave for new parents.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity
Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.