About the role#
Inertia offers a 10 to 12 week summer internship for students pursuing advanced degrees. You will own a scoped research project with a dedicated mentor and work alongside our scientists and engineers. At the end of the term, you will present your project results at a poster session. We match interns to specific projects based on their individual background and interests.
What you'll do#
- Model target performance, laser-plasma interactions, fusion-chamber conditions, material response, and chemistry using radiation-hydrodynamics and simulation codes.
- Design and model neutron, gamma-ray, and x-ray imaging diagnostics and generate synthetic data to compare design options.
- Study laser damage in optics and coatings, test and analyze pump diode failures, build laser and optical design models, and develop low-cost optics fabrication processes.
- Use model-based systems engineering to map fusion pilot plant functions, interfaces, and operating scenarios.
- Build control, timing, data acquisition, and storage software for laser test stands.
- Develop internal tools, machine-learning and data pipelines, and AI agents to automate design, experimental, and manufacturing work.
- Design, prototype, and test precision hardware, and develop fabrication, metrology, and cost models for mass-producing fusion targets.
- Analyze commercial, regulatory, supply chain, and safety pathways to a laser fusion power plant.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a master's or PhD program in physics, applied physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, or optical engineering, materials science, chemistry, computer science, or applied math.
- Experience programming or analyzing data in Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar languages.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to explain results clearly.
- Curiosity about fusion, lasers, or energy and a willingness to learn unfamiliar physics and tools.
- Comfort working on a collaborative team.
- Coursework or experience in plasma physics, optics, radiation detection, numerical methods, or materials is helpful.
- Hands-on lab experience, CAD, or machining skills are a plus.
- Experience with Linux, Fortran, high-performance computing, machine learning, diagnostics, or automation is beneficial.
Location & details#
- Location: Livermore, California.
- Modality: On-site, with hybrid options available for some software projects.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: $40 - $45 per hour.
- Deadline: March 5, 2027.
